German Chancellor Merz reiterates idea of "associate membership" in EU for Ukraine
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has spoken in favour of "associate membership" in the EU for Ukraine, with benefits that would reward the country for progress towards full accession.
Last month, Merz proposed granting Ukraine a new status as an EU "associate member" before it obtains full membership – an idea that drew considerable criticism in Kyiv.
As reported by Die Welt, speaking in the German parliament, Merz said that his proposal would allow Ukraine to be represented in key EU institutions – the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Council – albeit without voting rights.
"A Ukrainian commissioner, even without a portfolio or voting rights, would be the face of Kyiv in Brussels," Merz said.
He pointed out that full membership in the European Union depends strictly on meeting the accession criteria.
Merz also emphasised that Berlin's support for a just peace in Ukraine remains unchanged.
"Our goal for Ukraine remains a just and lasting peace that also takes our security interests into account. That is why Germany supports Ukraine for as long as necessary," he added.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier described Merz's proposal as unfair.
European Pravda has released an explanation of how Merz's idea would need to change to address the concerns being voiced by Ukraine.
Read more: From Lithuania to Germany: who else is proposing a new path to EU for Ukraine and what lies behind it
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23 of June 2026
