The European Union is considering only two possible scenarios for Ukraine's accession to its ranks. One of them is non-standard. This was stated by EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos during a meeting with journalists.
Discussion on "associated membership"
Commenting on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's initiative regarding Ukraine's "associated membership," Kos emphasized that this is currently just an idea around which debates are taking place. According to her, there are three theoretical scenarios for interaction with candidate countries in the EU, but at the moment, Brussels and Kyiv are working on intensifying the second one.
What does Merz propose?
The idea of "associated membership," voiced in May, implies the participation of Ukrainian officials in EU summits and ministerial meetings — however, without voting rights. This format is intended to ensure close cooperation without granting Ukraine full member status.
Kyiv's reaction
According to Reuters, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his letter, called this concept unfair. He insists that Ukraine cannot be excluded from the decision-making process if its future in Europe is at stake.
Discussions are currently ongoing in the EU: which path to choose — traditional or experimental. The decision will have far-reaching consequences for the entire architecture of European integration.