German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed to EU leaders that Ukraine be granted “candidate member” status as a transitional step before joining the EU. He believes that allowing Ukraine to have more direct involvement in the EU framework and providing substantive security guarantees would help promote peaceful negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
According to the proposal, Ukrainian officials would be allowed to participate in EU summits and ministerial meetings but without voting rights. In addition, Merz also suggested that Ukraine could have an “associate commissioner” without voting rights in the European Commission, and non-voting representatives stationed in the European Parliament.
Merz emphasized that this proposal would not replace full EU membership. He stated, “This would not be a ‘membership light’ option.”
He reiterated that the ultimate goal is still for Ukraine to become a formal member of the EU.
Merz pointed out that due to the complex administrative procedures, legal reforms, and the challenge of obtaining unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states for the accession process, full EU membership for Ukraine in the short term is not realistic.
In his letter to EU leaders, he wrote, “My proposal reflects Ukraine’s unique position as a country at war. This will help promote ongoing peace negotiations and become part of the negotiated peaceful solution.”
He stressed that this initiative is crucial for the security of Ukraine and the entire European continent.
In terms of practical benefits, candidate member status would allow Ukraine to benefit from the EU’s “mutual assistance clause,” providing substantial security guarantees.
Furthermore, Ukraine would also be eligible for partial funding support from the EU budget. This proposal is seen as an alternative to strengthening security and political ties for Ukraine, considering its current unlikelihood of NATO membership and full EU accession in the near future.
To ensure Ukraine continues to uphold rule of law standards and progress in the accession process, Merz proposed the inclusion of a “snap-back mechanism” or sunset clauses.
If Ukraine regresses in rule of law standards or the accession process, this transitional candidate member status may be revoked or invalidated.
He also stated that this proposal would not affect other candidate countries and suggested that the EU explore similar “innovative solutions” for countries seeking EU membership in the long term.
Merz expressed his intention to further discuss this concept with European leaders and wrote, “My goal is to reach an agreement as soon as possible and establish a dedicated task force to outline the details.”
While this proposal may offer Ukraine a closer transition path to the EU, it may also raise questions among some EU member states. Additionally, Ukraine may have concerns that such transitional arrangements could stall the formal accession process.