Germany has proposed granting Ukraine an “associate member” status within the European Union, based on a report by Reuters citing a letter sent by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to EU leaders.
Based on the report, Merz has put forward a proposal that would grant Ukraine a direct role within EU structures as an interim step before full membership.
The German Chancellor argues that such a move could help facilitate an agreement aimed at ending Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Under the proposal, Ukraine would receive “associate member” status, allowing Ukrainian officials to participate in EU summits and ministerial meetings, though without voting rights.
Merz has also reportedly proposed that EU member states take on a “political commitment” to extend the bloc’s mutual assistance clause to Ukraine in order to create what he described as an “important security guarantee.”
“My proposal reflects Ukraine’s specific circumstances as a country at war. It would support the ongoing peace negotiations. This is important not only for Ukraine, but for the security of the entire continent,” Merz wrote in the letter, Reuters reported.
Header image: Merz says Ukraine should be brought closer to the bloc [FILE: February 13, 2026]
