France and Germany propose interim EU integration model for Ukraine
Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Photo: REUTERS/Yiannis Kourtoglou)
France and Germany are proposing an interim model for Ukraine’s integration into the European Union, as full membership could take significantly longer, the Financial Times reported on May 2.
The EU has yet to reach a clear consensus on how to integrate Ukraine given the ongoing war, the scale of required reforms and internal political risks within the bloc, the report said.
Ukraine was granted EU candidate status in June 2022, but the standard accession process can take 10 to 15 years, falling short of Kyiv’s political expectations and current security needs.
Concerns within the EU have also been shaped by Hungary’s experience. Democratic backsliding under Prime Minister Viktor Orban has prompted several European capitals to take a more cautious approach to enlargement and internal decision-making mechanisms.
The European Commission previously explored the idea of so-called “reverse enlargement,” under which Ukraine could formally join the EU earlier but with limited rights that would expand gradually as reforms are implemented.
That concept drew criticism. Some EU capitals learned about it through media reports rather than directly from the Commission, while opponents argued it could discriminate against other candidate countries.
France and Germany are now promoting an alternative model of associated membership. Under this approach, Ukraine could gain representation in the EU Council of Ministers and the European Parliament, but without voting rights.
The proposal also envisions gradual integration into the EU’s single market and selected programs. However, Ukraine would not receive early access to major agricultural and regional subsidies.
Supporters argue the model would offer Ukraine a credible path toward membership and help prepare public opinion within EU countries. Critics warn Kyiv could see it as an attempt to keep Ukraine in a prolonged “half-membership” status without full political influence.
France and Germany also support strengthening the security dimension of relations with Ukraine. Proposals include extending the EU’s mutual defense clause, deepening defense-industrial cooperation, providing long-term funding for Ukraine’s military, and involving Ukraine in a new European security council alongside the United Kingdom and other partners.
EU officials hope that opening accession talks this summer, combined with a clear roadmap and a €90 billion loan package, could ease tensions with Kyiv, the Financial Times reported. However, no final model for Ukraine’s integration into the EU has yet been agreed.
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