Friedrich Merz is urging the European Union to consider granting Ukraine a new form of “associate membership” while also encouraging Europe to play a stronger role in negotiations aimed at ending the war with Russia.
According to a letter seen by The Associated Press, Merz proposed allowing Ukraine to participate in key European Union meetings and institutions without full voting rights. Under the plan, Ukrainian representatives could join discussions in the European Commission and the European Parliament as non-voting members.
Merz argued the proposal would go beyond the current EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and should not be viewed as “membership light.” He also suggested a “snap-back mechanism” that could suspend privileges if Ukraine fails to maintain democratic standards.
The proposal comes as European leaders debate whether the EU should launch its own diplomatic track with Moscow while U.S.-mediated peace efforts stall amid growing American focus on the Iran war.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed signs of movement in Ukraine’s long-running EU accession process, saying Ukraine has completed all requirements necessary to advance negotiations.
Ukraine has long viewed EU membership as a key security guarantee for its future after the war. Full membership in NATO remains unlikely in the near term, however, because the Trump administration opposes Ukrainian entry during the ongoing conflict and several allies remain cautious.
Current EU membership rules require candidate countries to align with European laws and standards across 35 policy areas, with unanimous approval needed from all 27 EU member states at each stage of negotiations.
Hungary has previously blocked the opening of formal talks with Ukraine, though recent political changes in Budapest may soften that position.
Merz also proposed extending similar associate arrangements to countries in the Western Balkans that are waiting to join the EU.
Meanwhile, European leaders are increasingly discussing whether the bloc should directly engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin in parallel with U.S.-led negotiations.
Antonio Costa recently said Europe may eventually need security talks with Russia that address the continent’s own concerns without undermining American diplomacy.
Several prominent European figures have reportedly been mentioned as possible mediators, including former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi.
However, the idea of former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder playing a role has drawn criticism because of his longstanding business ties to Russian energy companies and close relationship with Putin.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said it would be unwise to allow Russia to effectively choose Europe’s negotiator.
Zelenskyy has publicly supported a larger European role in future peace negotiations, saying Europe must have “a strong voice and presence” in determining the continent’s security future.
