Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called a German proposal to grant Ukraine “associate” European Union membership “unfair,” arguing it would leave Kyiv “voiceless” inside the bloc.
In a letter to EU leaders reviewed by Reuters, Zelensky rejected a plan put forward by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that would allow Ukraine to attend EU summits and institutions without voting rights as an interim step toward full membership.
Under the proposal, Ukraine could appoint a non-voting representative to the European Commission and send non-voting members to the European Parliament while gaining gradual access to the EU budget.
“We are defending Europe fully, not partially and not with half-measures,” Zelensky wrote. “Ukraine deserves a fair approach and equal rights within Europe.”
Zelensky also argued that the recent removal of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a long-time opponent of Ukraine’s accession, had created an opportunity for meaningful progress in membership talks.
