German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggests creating a special 'associate member' status for Ukraine in the EU, thus facilitating peace negotiations.

The German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposed that Ukraine should receive a special 'associate member' status in the European Union, as an intermediate step before full membership.

In a letter addressed to European leaders, Merz argues that this status could help facilitate negotiations to end the war caused by Russia's invasion. According to the proposal, Ukraine could participate in EU summits and ministerial meetings, but without voting rights, and Ukrainian officials could be present in European institutions without decision-making power. Merz emphasized the importance of this approach for President Volodymyr Zelensky, considering that rapid NATO membership and the recovery of territories occupied by Russia are difficult objectives.

Although 2027 has been mentioned as a possible deadline for Ukraine's accession, European officials believe that this is unlikely in the coming years.

Merz also proposed a mechanism for the rapid suspension of the status, in case Ukraine does not meet the rule of law standards.