Merz Proposes Special «Associated Member» Status for Ukraine in EU Before Full Membership

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed granting Ukraine «associated member» status in the EU as a temporary solution before full membership. He outlined this idea in a letter to European leaders, stating that EU enlargement is a «geopolitical necessity,» but the accession process is lengthy.

The special status for Ukraine would entail greater rights and obligations than in the classic accession process. This includes participation and voting rights at EU Council and European Council meetings, non-voting participation in the European Commission and European Parliament, gradual integration into the EU budget, and the extension of Article 42.7 of the EU Treaties on mutual assistance and defense. Merz also suggests special participation in the EU Court with an Assistant Rapporteur position. He believes this would facilitate the negotiation process initiated by the US.

At the same time, Merz recommends a mechanism to reduce these rights if Ukraine deviates from its Euro-integration path. For the Western Balkans and Moldova, he proposes separate accelerated integration plans. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously stated that Ukraine is not interested in partial EU membership.