Zelensky rejects a "cut-rate" EU membership and challenges the German proposal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected a German proposal to offer Ukraine "associate" status in the European Union, arguing that such a model would be "unfair" as it would deprive Kyiv of real decision-making power within the European bloc.

In a letter to European Union leaders seen by Reuters, Zelensky criticises the idea put forward by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who suggested allowing Ukraine to participate in European meetings without voting rights, as a transitional step before full membership.

According to Friedrich Merz, this intermediate formula could facilitate a broader political agreement to end the war triggered by the Russian invasion more than four years ago. Berlin believes that a gradual integration of Ukraine could help reduce some resistance within the Union.

But Volodymyr Zelensky categorically rejects the idea of ​​a symbolic presence within European institutions. "It would be unfair for Ukraine to be present within the European Union without being able to express itself," he wrote in his message to European leaders.

The Ukrainian president, on the contrary, believes that the current political context presents a new opportunity to accelerate accession negotiations. He specifically mentions the departure of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a long-time opponent of Ukraine's entry into the EU, following last month's elections.

In his letter addressed in particular to Antonio Costa, Ursula von der Leyen and Nikos Christodoulides, Zelensky recalls that Ukraine is currently defending all of Europe against Russian aggression.

“We defend Europe fully, not partially,” the Ukrainian leader stated, adding that his country deserves “equal rights within Europe.” This stance could reignite debates within the European Union regarding the speed and conditions of Ukraine’s future accession.