Ukraine cannot become a full member of the European Union while it is in a state of war, but it could be granted associated membership as an intermediate step toward accession.
This was stated by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz after the European Council meeting in Brussels.
Responding to a question about his initiative on Ukraine’s associate membership in the EU, Merz said that such a model would not require changes to the EU’s founding treaties.
“Associated membership is possible without changing the treaties. And we have precedents for this,” the Chancellor said.
He recalled that after German reunification, a status of observer without voting rights was introduced for representatives of the former East Germany in the European Parliament.
“That is why what I am proposing now is also possible without treaty changes. My proposal from the very beginning was aimed at making possible what does not require treaty change,” Merz noted.
The Chancellor stressed that Ukraine’s situation differs from that of the Western Balkans due to the ongoing war.
“A country like Ukraine, which is at war, cannot become a member of the European Union, but it could become an associated member of the European Union and later a full member,” he said.
According to Merz, the issue of EU enlargement and possible interim integration formats will be discussed in detail at the European Council meeting in October.
“None of this has been taken off the table. On the contrary, these proposals are still on the table,” the Chancellor emphasized.
