Zelensky Rejects EU Associate Membership Proposal as 'Unfair'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has strongly rejected a proposal by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that would grant Ukraine "associate member" status within the European Union. Zelensky described the initiative as "unfair," arguing that such a status would leave Ukraine "voiceless" in Europe and undermine the concept of a complete European project.

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there can be no complete European project without Ukraine

In a statement shared on his X account, Zelensky asserted that "there can be no complete European project without Ukraine" and that Ukraine's place in the EU must be "complete." He highlighted Ukraine's ongoing struggle for its "life, independence, and for the Europe that has lived in peace for the longest period of time." Zelensky emphasized the importance of achieving "significant processes" in Ukraine's negotiations with the EU and working fully for the security of its people.

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Ukraine's place in the Union Europea also must be complete.

Merz had put forward the idea of an associate membership in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and Cypriot Prime Minister Níkos Christodoulídis. The proposal, intended for discussion at an informal EU leaders' meeting in June, suggested Ukraine could attend European Council and EU Council meetings without voting rights. It also proposed a non-voting seat in the European Parliament and a non-voting member of the European Commission. Merz suggested this status would be a significant step towards full membership.

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unfair