Germany has a new plan for Ukraine: Merz proposes a new model with an important clause

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed that Ukraine be granted the status of an “associated member” of the European Union as a transitional step toward full membership, which could facilitate an agreement to end the war.

Under the proposal, Ukrainian representatives could participate in EU summits and ministerial meetings, but without voting rights.

Merz believes such a model could help ongoing peace negotiations and serve as a security guarantee for Ukraine in its war with Russia.

The German chancellor also proposed a political commitment by EU member states to apply the mutual assistance clause to Ukraine, which he says would contribute to the security of all Europe.

Ukraine is currently an EU candidate country, but European officials believe full membership in the next few years is unlikely due to the lengthy reform process and the need for ratification by all 27 member states.

Merz’s proposal also foresees the possibility of Ukrainian representatives participating in the work of the European Commission and the European Parliament, but without decision-making rights.

The German chancellor announced that he will discuss this initiative with European leaders.