FLASH NEWS
Merz proposed associate membership in the EU for Ukraine, the Chancellor's letter causes surprise in Brussels
2026-05-21 19:32:41 / BOTA
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's innovative plan to grant Ukraine "associate membership" in the European Union has been criticized in Brussels, with questions raised about its legality, feasibility and political implications.
In a letter to his leadership colleagues, Merz proposes an adapted status that would give Ukraine access to decision-making bodies without voting rights or portfolios and to some EU-funded programs on a “step-by-step” basis.
He also envisions Kiev being able to request assistance from other member states in the event of armed aggression through Article 42.7 of the EU treaties. This, he argues, would create a “substantial security guarantee” to deter Russia.
“Now is the time to boldly move forward with Ukraine’s integration into the EU through innovative solutions as immediate steps forward,” Merz tells his colleagues.
In Brussels, Merz's letter attracted attention and caused consternation amid ongoing efforts to lift Hungary's veto on Ukraine's accession by the time the 27 leaders meet in June.
His push was compared to an opinion piece the chancellor wrote last year, supporting the use of Russian real estate to finance a so-called reparations loan for Ukraine. The article shocked Brussels, and the bold project ultimately failed.
The letter is “a rather hasty statement and not very well coordinated. The timing is strange, especially since in June we will have good news with the opening of the cluster, so this letter is a bit surprising,” said one diplomat, warning of widespread skepticism.
"We have to do things differently. There really is a timeline, with the horizon of June, and there is a method. Things will move forward."
A second diplomat cast serious doubt on Merz's assertion that "associate membership" would not require changing EU treaties, only strong political will.
"I don't see how this could work from a legal perspective. You would have to change the treaties for this. To associate members with all the institutions through political agreements? I don't see it," the diplomat said.
A third diplomat said that in the paper, "some ideas are better than others," while a fourth noted that the real debate among member states had not yet begun.
Happening now...
Molotov cocktail on Saturday, shopping on Thursday!
Nga Bato Kosova
ideas
top
Alfa recipes
services
- POLICE129
- STREET POLICE126
- AMBULANCE112
- FIREFIGHTER128