KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected a proposal from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to grant Ukraine a limited form of European Union membership, insisting that his country deserves full rights within the bloc, according to Euro News.
Merz had suggested offering Ukraine an “associate membership” during the long and complex accession process. Under this plan, Kyiv would be allowed to attend EU summits, have representation in the European Commission, and benefit from parts of the EU budget, but it would not have voting rights.
Zelenskyy made clear that such a compromise is not enough.
“Without Ukraine, there can be no fully-fledged European project,” he said in his daily address. “Ukraine’s presence in the EU must be complete, with full rights.”
He stressed that Ukraine is not only fighting for its own survival but also defending Europe against Russia’s ongoing invasion. For this reason, he argued, the country should be fully integrated into the European Union rather than placed in a limited role.
Ukraine applied for EU membership shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022 and was granted candidate status within months. Formal accession talks began in 2024, but progress has been slow. The process typically takes years and involves difficult negotiations on issues such as governance, agriculture, and the rule of law.
Political obstacles have also played a role. Talks were previously stalled by Hungary’s former prime minister Viktor Orbán, who opposed Ukraine’s path toward EU membership. However, his recent removal from power has raised hopes in Kyiv that negotiations may now move forward more smoothly.
At the same time, Ukraine faces internal challenges. Corruption remains a serious concern and a key condition set by the EU for membership. Ukrainian prosecutors are currently investigating a case that allegedly involves figures close to Zelenskyy, highlighting the ongoing struggle to reform the country’s institutions.
As the war continues, Ukraine’s push for full EU membership has become both a political goal and a symbol of its place in Europe’s future.
