Zelenskyy Rejects German «Associate» EU Membership Proposal for Ukraine
President Zelenskyy rejected Germany's «associate» EU membership proposal for Ukraine, calling the non-voting status «unfair.» He argued Ukraine deserves full membership for its defense of Europe, especially after former Hungarian PM Orban's removal opened new opportunities for accession talks.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has formally rejected a German proposal for Ukraine to receive «associate» EU membership, which would grant participation in EU meetings and institutions without voting rights. Zelenskyy called the format «unfair» in a letter to European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.
The German proposal, put forth by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, was intended as an interim measure to accelerate Ukraine's integration and facilitate a deal to end the four-year Russian war. However, some European diplomats reacted cautiously, noting that no such status as an «associate» member currently exists and would require amendments to EU treaties.
Zelenskyy argued that Ukraine, having defended Europe «fully, not partially, and not with half-measures,» deserves «a fair approach and equal rights.» He emphasized that the removal of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a staunch opponent of Ukraine's EU membership, following elections last month, created an opportunity for substantive progress on accession talks. Zelenskyy believes the EU should advance Ukraine toward full membership directly, allowing time for integration without limiting rights, as seen in previous enlargement rounds.