President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's proposal for Ukraine's associate membership in the EU. He called this status unfair and called for full membership. Zelenskyy stressed the importance of Ukraine's full participation in European processes and security mechanisms.
Basic context
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent a letter to the leaders of the European Union, in which he called the unacceptable and unfair offer of associate membership Ukraine's presence in the EU. In the letter, Zelenskyy stressed that it would be wrong for Ukraine to be present in the EU without voting rights. He called for moving towards Ukraine's full and meaningful membership in the EU.
Zelenskyy addressed a letter to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the Council of the European Union Antonio Costi and the President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulis, as Cyprus holds the EU presidency until 30 June 2026. In his 23 May address, the President also emphasised Ukraine's diplomatic efforts to Approaching EU membership, called for the opening of negotiation clusters and work on 100% for the safety and well-being of Ukrainians.
Details of the German proposal and Ukraine's reaction
On 21 May, the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz offered Ukraine the status of an associate member of the EU. This status provides for participation in meetings of the European Council and the Council of the EU without the right to vote, associate membership in the European Commission and the European Parliament, also without the right to vote, and the phased application of the acquis communautaire after approval by the Council.
The proposal includes a limited application of the EU budget and the Multiannual Financial Framework for Ukraine, a phased alignment with the Common Foreign and Security Policy, and a political commitment by Member States to apply Article 42, paragraph 7 of the EU Treaty on Security Treaties. It also provides for a mechanism to return to the previous state in case of violations of the fundamental values of the Union.
A spokesperson for the European Commission confirmed receipt of Chancellor Merz's letter. Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine for European Integration Taras Kachka said that if associate membership accelerates full membership, Ukraine is ready to accept it. Kachka emphasised that rapid accession is beneficial for Ukraine and highlighted Russia's aggressive actions towards Europe.
Impact on European integration and security
Zelenskyy stressed that a full-fledged European project is impossible without Ukraine, and that our country's participation in the EU should be full. Opening clusters of negotiations is critical to moving forward. The President emphasised the importance of working for the security and well-being of citizens.
Merz's proposal reflects a difficult compromise that could delay Ukraine's full membership but also allow for partial integration. At the same time, Zelenskyy's position shows Kyiv's desire to avoid a status that limits Ukraine's rights and voice in the EU.
This conflict of positions affects further negotiations with the EU and determines the pace of Ukraine's integration. The EU's response and subsequent decisions may have a significant impact on the security situation in the region and European stability in general.
