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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has suggested creating a form of “associate membership” for Ukraine within the European Union that would allow Kyiv to participate in EU institutions before becoming a full member state, UATV English reports.
Speaking in the Bundestag, Merz reaffirmed Germany’s support for Ukraine and stressed that Berlin’s objective remains achieving a just and lasting peace that safeguards both Ukrainian and European security interests.
“Our goal remains a just and durable peace for Ukraine that also takes our own security interests into account. That is why we support Ukraine, why we have supported it in the past, why we support it today, and why we will continue to support it for as long as necessary,” the chancellor said.
Merz noted that the European Union has already approved a €90 billion financial package for Ukraine and that the disbursement of the funds has now been unblocked. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to increase pressure on Russia through additional sanctions.
“We are taking stronger measures against Russia’s shadow fleet and are already beginning work on the 21st package of sanctions,” he said.
The German leader reiterated his long-term vision of Ukraine as a future member of the European Union.
“Ukraine belongs to Europe. In the long term, it also belongs in the European Union,” Merz stated.
Under his proposed model, Ukraine would be integrated into the work of European institutions before full accession. According to the chancellor, Ukrainian representatives would be able to participate regularly in meetings of the European Council and sectoral councils of ministers.
The proposal also envisions the appointment of a Ukrainian European Commissioner who would serve as Kyiv’s representative in Brussels. Initially, the commissioner would not hold a portfolio or voting rights but would participate in the work of the European Commission.
Similarly, Ukrainian representatives would be able to take part in the activities of the European Parliament before full membership, although without voting rights during the transitional period.
Merz argued that Ukraine should be incorporated into specific EU policies and institutional mechanisms as quickly as possible, provided it continues to meet accession criteria and advance reforms.
“We should integrate Ukraine into the political structures of the European Union as rapidly as possible, while strictly respecting the criteria and the pace of reforms. This is what the people of Ukraine want, and it is what Europe wants. We will move forward together on this path,” he said.
The chancellor also stressed that any sustainable peace settlement must involve all key stakeholders.
“A lasting peace can only be achieved through negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, the United States, and Europe. Without that, it will not be possible,” Merz said.
The proposal builds on an idea previously advanced by the German chancellor to accelerate Ukraine’s integration into the European Union through an intermediate status that would allow participation in EU decision-making structures before full accession.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has welcomed Ukraine’s European future but has emphasized that the country ultimately seeks full membership with all rights and responsibilities enjoyed by other EU member states.
Read also: U.S. Senate Committee Approves $750 Million in Security Assistance for Ukraine
