Friedrich Merz has proposed a new “associated membership” status for Ukraine, aiming to accelerate European integration and provide security guarantees without requiring immediate treaty changes or full, finalized accession.
A Strategic Proposal for Accelerated Integration
In a letter dated May 18, addressed to European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Cypriot President Nikos Christodulidis, Friedrich Merz argued that EU expansion is a geopolitical necessity. He asserted that the current accession process is too slow and requires a new dynamic for Ukraine, the Western Balkans, and Moldova.
Merz envisions an “associated membership” model that goes beyond the existing association agreement. He emphasized that this is not a “lite” version of membership but a structure designed to significantly expedite the final accession process.
Structural Inclusion Without Full Voting Rights
The model would integrate Ukraine directly into EU structures, allowing participation in European Council and EU Council meetings without voting rights. Ukraine would also gain an “associated” commissioner without a portfolio and associated members in the European Parliament, also without voting power.
Additionally, Ukraine could gradually implement EU regulations with protective clauses and align with the bloc’s foreign and security policies. The plan includes extending Article 42.7, the mutual defense clause, to Ukraine, providing the country with essential security guarantees.
Implementation and Future Outlook
While not covered by the EU’s long-term budget, Ukraine could access certain direct support programs, contingent on reform progress and rule-of-law adherence. Merz noted that this framework would not require treaty amendments or ratification of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU.
Merz discussed this proposal with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an informal leaders’ meeting in Cyprus in April. He plans to present the idea at the upcoming EU leaders’ meeting in Brussels on June 18-19, seeking a mandate for a task force to finalize the details.