German Ambassador Heiko Thoms: Merz's Proposal is Full EU Membership for Ukraine Plus Additional Benefits

German Ambassador to Ukraine Heiko Thoms commented on Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz's proposal for «associated membership» for Ukraine in the EU, which received a mixed reaction in Kyiv. Thoms emphasized that Germany's goal is full membership for Ukraine in the European Union, and Merz's proposal aims to accelerate this process and provide Ukraine with additional opportunities in Brussels even before accession. He noted that this is a unique offer, specifically designed for Ukraine as a country at war, demonstrating significant progress in reforms.

Thoms acknowledged that the name «associated membership» was a communication misstep, as Ukraine already has an Association Agreement, and Germany is open to considering a different name. He refuted fears of «half-membership,» explaining that the proposal envisions two paths: standard accession after fulfilling all criteria, or an accelerated path with additional benefits such as representation in the College of Commissioners, the European Parliament, the European Council, and an observer judge in the European Court, as well as the gradual application of the acquis communautaire.

The Ambassador also addressed the issue of «decoupling» – separating Ukraine's accession process from Moldova's. He stressed that Ukraine's EU accession will depend solely on its reforms, not on the actions of other candidate countries. Thoms confirmed Germany's intention to open all accession negotiation clusters for Ukraine as soon as possible, calling Merz's proposal «the best offer that will be discussed in the near future regarding Ukraine.»