German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is urging the European Union to consider offering "associate membership" to Ukraine and to reinvigorate negotiations aimed at ending the conflict with Russia, according to a letter obtained by The Associated Press on Thursday.
Merz's Proposal
In his letter to top EU officials, Merz proposes that Ukraine would participate in EU meetings without voting rights and would have non-voting "associate members" in the European Commission and the European Parliament. He insists this "would not be a membership light" and would "go far beyond" the current Association Agreement governing EU-Ukraine relations. Merz also suggests a "snap-back mechanism" in case Ukraine backslides on democratic standards.
EU Membership Talks
The proposal comes as the 27-nation bloc considers launching its own negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, given that U.S.-mediated talks have stalled while America focuses on the Iran war. European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed last month that official membership talks with Ukraine should open "without delay," a sentiment Merz echoes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed signs of possible progress, stating on Wednesday that "Ukraine has fulfilled everything necessary for this progress." However, candidate countries must align their laws in 35 policy areas, with all 27 EU members required to agree before each chapter can be opened and closed. Hungary has blocked negotiations, but a new government in Budapest this month may change that stance.
Wider Implications
Merz's plan may face opposition from European officials who insist EU membership must be a merits-based process. He suggests extending his approach to other candidate countries, particularly those in the Western Balkans, where EU leaders are due to meet next month.
Peace Talks and Security
On the war, Merz writes that his proposal "will help facilitate the ongoing peace talks as part of a negotiated peace solution," emphasizing its importance for both Ukraine's and Europe's security. Ukraine views EU membership as a security guarantee, though NATO membership remains off the table due to U.S. opposition.
As U.S.-led mediation falters, EU countries debate launching a parallel negotiating track. Speculation about potential EU negotiators includes former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi. Putin has suggested talking to former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, but EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas dismissed this, calling him a "high-level lobbyist for Russian state-owned companies."
Zelenskyy supports a European role, stating on Sunday that "Europe must be involved in the negotiations" and that it is important to determine who will represent Europe.
