German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in a letter to European leaders, once again offers Ukraine associate membership in the European Union. A spokesperson for the European Commission confirmed to the Public that he received the letter from Chancellor Merz.
The corresponding letter from the German Chancellor was at the disposal of the Public.
Merz writes that the enlargement of the European Union is a geopolitical necessity. However, the enlargement process, he says, has taken too long and is disappointing. Therefore, Merz calls for a new dynamic for Ukraine, as well as for the Western Balkans and Moldova.
Merz explained that “this will not be 'facilitated membership', but will go far beyond the existing Association Agreement and further accelerate the accession process.”
“My idea is to take a unique step now for deeper integration of Ukraine into EU institutions and structures , taking into account the special situation. I envisage a political solution that will immediately bring Ukraine significantly closer to the EU and its main institutions, without affecting the ongoing accession negotiations,” Merz emphasized.
He added that this would not require ratification of the Accession Treaty under Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union, nor any amendments to the Treaty, but only a “strong political agreement”.
The status of an associated Member State could provide, among other things:
- participation in meetings of the European Council and the Council of the European Union (without the right to vote);
- associate member of the Commission (without portfolio, with full participation, except for voting);
- associated members of the European Parliament (without voting rights);
- associate judge of the European Court of Justice (formally “assistant rapporteur”), etc.;
- phased application of the acquis communautaire, in line with Ukraine's progress in accession negotiations — not automatically, but after approval by the Council and with appropriate safeguards;
- The EU budget (and the Multiannual Financial Framework) would not apply to Ukraine in full immediately. Instead, directly managed programmes could be applied in stages, in line with progress in accession negotiations and taking into account safeguards;
- full alignment of Ukraine with the Common Foreign and Security Policy and a political commitment by Member States to apply Article 42, paragraph 7 of the Treaty on European Union also to Ukraine in order to create a substantial security guarantee;
- a mechanism for reverting to the previous status quo (or, alternatively, a sunset clause) in the event of a departure from the fundamental values of the European Union, in particular the rule of law, or structural steps backwards in accession negotiations.
A spokesperson for the European Commission confirmed to the Public that it had received a letter from Chancellor Merz.
“We welcome the fact that this discussion is taking place between member states. And we call for this discussion to continue at the level of the European Council. This shows that member states are also determined to make enlargement a reality as soon as possible,” the spokesman said.
According to the official, it is becoming increasingly clear that enlargement is a geostrategic investment in European prosperity, peace and security. And Ukraine's accession to the European Union is also fundamentally linked to the security of the Union.
The spokesman added that it was equally important for the EU to complete the enlargement process with all candidate countries that have been working towards accession for many years. According to the official, any innovative solutions should also be based on a merit-based process.
“Looking ahead, we must ensure that our approach to enlargement is fit for purpose. That is why the Commission will continue to work actively with Member States and candidate countries to find the best solutions that will make us stronger and more secure as a Union,” the comment says.