Ukraine targeted for special EU status: What Kyiv could actually gain

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine Lana Zerkal commented on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s proposal regarding Ukraine's potential associated EU membership in a Facebook post.

The proposal stems from a letter Merz sent to EU leadership. In it, the German chancellor suggested granting Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkan countries an interim format of EU participation while the complex and lengthy full accession procedure plays out.

Zerkal says that at first glance, such an initiative might look like a betrayal or another attempt to keep Ukraine out of the EU indefinitely. However, the diplomat believes the proposal deserves a closer look.

"This is precisely the case where we need to step outside our usual mindset and dive into the details of the proposal," Zerkal said.

What Ukraine stands to gain

Zerkal explains that the main driver behind this format is the sluggish EU accession process and the political hurdles of getting decisions ratified by individual member states.

In her view, any further dragging of feet on Ukraine-EU integration only plays into Russia's hands.

Germany’s proposed associated membership format could offer Ukraine several critical opportunities. First and foremost, it would mean full integration into the EU single market, allowing trade without tariffs or quotas.

Additionally, Ukraine could gain a foothold in the EU's internal political processes. This includes the right to speak at Council of the EU and European Council meetings, as well as participation in the European Commission and the European Parliament, albeit without voting rights.

Zerkal also notes that the proposal includes gradual integration into the EU budget and certain security guarantees under Article 42.7 of the EU Treaty, which covers mutual aid and defense.

What Merz’s proposal is missing

At the same time, the diplomat points out a major flaw in the current idea. According to her, Merz’s proposal lacks a crucial element — the actual signing of Ukraine's EU accession treaty.

Zerkal argues that the interim associated membership format should only operate while awaiting the ratification of that treaty.

"What we should be discussing right now is how to achieve exactly that," she says.

The diplomat stresses that for this scenario to work, Ukraine needs more than just political will — it requires real results from the government and parliament in passing and implementing the necessary legislation.