Merz proposes no-vote EU commissioner for Ukraine, reviving plan Kyiv rejected

Merz again raised his earlier proposal for an “associate membership” mechanism for Ukraine, saying it would allow Kyiv to take part regularly in the work of European institutions before full membership in the EU.

“A Ukrainian commissioner — for now, without a portfolio or voting rights — would be Kyiv’s face in Brussels, and lawmakers from Ukraine — also for now, without voting rights — would take part in the work of the European Parliament,” Merz said.

He said Ukraine should be brought into individual EU policies and mechanisms as quickly as possible, but in line with the bloc’s criteria and the pace of reforms. Merz also stressed that the EU is “acting increasingly firmly against Russia’s shadow fleet” and is beginning work on a new, 21st package of sanctions against Russia.

On May 21, the German outlet Spiegel wrote that Merz had proposed giving Ukraine special status as an EU “associate member,” with expanded rights and security guarantees before full membership in the bloc.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, called Germany’s proposal to grant Ukraine “associate” membership without voting rights “unfair” in a May 22 letter to EU leaders.

“We are defending Europe — fully, not partially, and not with half-measures. Ukraine deserves fair treatment and equal rights in Europe,” Zelenskyy’s letter said.