Merz proposes no-vote EU commissioner for Ukraine, reviving plan Kyiv rejected
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz returned to the idea of so-called associate membership for Ukraine. (Photo: REUTERS/Sodiq Adelakun)
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Kyiv could be
represented in Brussels by a Ukrainian European commissioner under his proposed
model of so-called associate EU membership for Ukraine, though only in a
limited role, Ukrinform
reported on June 11, citing his speech in the Bundestag.
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.
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.
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