Photo: Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz/Х
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has sent a letter to EU leaders proposing a new “associated member” status for Ukraine within the European Union, according to reports cited by Der Spiegel.
Under the proposal, Ukraine would not immediately receive full EU membership or voting rights, but would instead be more closely integrated into EU institutions during the accession process.
Merz reportedly justified the idea by pointing to Ukraine’s wartime conditions and the significant progress it has already made in its EU accession negotiations. He also linked the proposal to broader diplomatic efforts, including peace talks initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Key elements of the proposed status
According to the reported letter, the “associated member” framework could include:
- Participation in meetings of the EU Council and European Council, including voting rights in some formats
- Limited participation in European Commission and European Parliament sessions (without voting rights in those institutions)
- Gradual integration into the EU budget system
- Extension of Article 42(7) (EU mutual defense clause) to include Ukraine
- Representation within the Court of Justice of the EU in a junior advisory role
Merz also reportedly suggested mechanisms that could downgrade or suspend the status if Ukraine regresses on reforms or EU “fundamental values”.
Broader EU context
The proposal is framed as part of a wider effort to accelerate EU enlargement discussions, including for Ukraine, the Western Balkans, and Moldova. Supporters argue it could provide a faster political and institutional bridge toward membership, while critics warn it may complicate or delay full accession.
EU officials continue to debate how to balance enlargement momentum with internal reform capacity and geopolitical pressures linked to Russia and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
