Diplomats in Brussels have questioned German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s proposal to introduce a form of “associated membership” for Ukraine in the European Union. The initiative is seen as premature and legally questionable.
Source: Bukvy
The idea refers to a letter from Merz to EU leaders, in which he proposed granting Ukraine a special status with access to certain EU institutions and programs, but without voting rights in the initial phase.
In Brussels, the document has sparked debate. One diplomat described the initiative as rushed and noted that it appeared at a “strange moment,” as positive decisions on opening negotiation clusters for Ukraine are expected already in June.
Another diplomatic representative questioned the legal feasibility of the idea, stating that such a format would likely require changes to EU treaties. He emphasized that an “associated membership” option through a political agreement appears unlikely.
Another diplomat said the letter contains both strong and weaker ideas, and added that real negotiations among member states on this proposal have not yet begun.
At the same time, the European Commission is generally more open to the initiative, stressing that any new approaches to integration must be based on the principle of “merit” and progress in reforms.