With Ukraine’s EU accession proving to be a protracted affair, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has put forward a proposal for a temporary partial membership for Ukraine. He has penned a letter to EU leaders suggesting the concept of ‘associate membership’ be discussed further.

This proposal includes allowing Kyiv to participate in meetings of the EU Council and the European Council without voting rights. Additionally, the proposal includes positions for associated members in the EU Commission without portfolios and voting rights, associated MEPs without voting rights, and an associated judge at the European Court of Justice in the role of an “Assistant Rapporteur.”

Chancellor Merz envisions this arrangement as a political solution that brings Ukraine significantly closer to the core institutions of the European Union immediately, without impacting ongoing accession negotiations. He asserts that this can be achieved without treaty amendments, requiring only a robust political agreement.

Strategic Security Promises to Ukraine

The initiative is driven by the unique circumstances of Ukraine, a country in conflict, showing significant progress in its EU membership talks. The special status would serve as a vital political gesture, supporting Ukraine and its citizens in their ongoing resistance against Russian aggression.

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According to Merz’s vision, Ukraine should fully align its foreign and security policies with those of the EU. Moreover, EU member states should politically commit to applying the EU’s mutual assistance clause to Ukraine, thus establishing a substantial security guarantee.

Challenges in Achieving Full Membership

Despite these proposals, Merz acknowledges the unlikelihood of Ukraine’s swift admission as a full EU member. He cites ‘countless hurdles’ and politically complicated ratification processes in several member states as significant obstacles.

To keep making rapid progress, Merz urges Brussels to start immediate and uninterrupted negotiations on all critical issues concerning accession. The proposed ‘associate membership’ is not to be seen as a ‘light’ version of EU membership, but as an arrangement that extends beyond existing agreements and could expedite the accession process.

Following a meeting of EU heads of state in Nicosia, Merz had already proposed a closer integration of Ukraine into European institutions. Sources from the German government indicate that the Chancellor aims to inject new momentum into the enlargement process with this initiative.