German chancellor proposes special EU status for Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is pushing for Ukraine to receive a novel “associated member” status within the European Union, responding to Kyiv’s demand for rapid accession amid the war with Russia. In a letter to EU leaders obtained by dpa, Merz proposed immediately integrating Ukraine more closely into EU institutions without granting full membership or voting rights initially.

Political signal and security guarantee

Merz argued that the special status would send “a strong political signal that Ukraine and its citizens so urgently need in their ongoing struggle against Russian aggression.” The proposal includes Ukraine aligning its foreign and security policy with the EU, with member states making a political commitment to apply the mutual assistance clause (Article 42(7)) to Ukraine — effectively extending a substantial security guarantee. Merz described the idea as a political solution to bring Ukraine “significantly closer to the European Union and its core institutions” without requiring ratification of an accession treaty under Article 49.

Institutional participation and safeguards

Under Merz’s vision, Ukraine could participate in European Council and Council of the EU meetings (without voting rights), hold associate memberships in the European Commission without portfolio, and have associate judges at the European Court of Justice as “Assistant Rapporteurs.” Ukraine would not initially contribute to or benefit from the EU budget, but direct‑management programmes could be opened gradually. Merz suggested a fallback mechanism or sunset clause in case of democratic backsliding.