France and Germany have independently come forward with the idea of offering Ukraine a form of "associate membership" in the European Union. This is reported by the Financial Times, according to UNN.
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It is noted that, according to this format, Kyiv would have seats in the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament without voting rights.
Germany suggested that Ukraine have its own "associate" commissioner, but without formal powers. Ukraine would be part of the EU's foreign policy from the start and would receive gradual integration into the single market and other EU programs, but would not have early access to agricultural or regional subsidies,
According to Sébastien Maillard, special advisor at the Jacques Delors Institute, the Franco-German approach would provide Ukraine with a "credible prospect of accession, while encouraging it to continue the reforms necessary for full membership." At the same time, it would "prepare public opinion" in the rest of the EU for Ukraine's future accession "without haste." In Maillard's view, it is crucial that Ukraine sees this plan as a "credible" path to full membership. The risk, however, is that Ukraine views this as a permanent waiting room for second-class Europeans.
Within the Commission, there is some skepticism about the legal viability of symbolic or associate membership, but also some relief that capitals are now addressing this dilemma. The Commission is expected to offer formal proposals that are likely to involve more fleshing out of the Franco-German approach than attempts to revive a trial expansion plan,
It is also indicated that one area where the EU could make a more substantial offer is security.
France and Germany favor including Ukraine in the EU's mutual defense clause, although the practical implications are unclear. Deeper cooperation in the defense industry and long-term financial support for Ukraine's armed forces could also be part of this. Membership in a new European Security Council, which could also include the UK and other allies, could be attractive. Overall, a focus on security would benefit Ukraine and also highlight to Europeans what Ukraine can do for them,
They add that if Montenegro, one of the leaders on the path to EU accession, made rapid progress, it would show Ukraine and other candidates that Brussels has indeed returned to the enlargement process after a 13-year pause. If the EU were to quickly admit Iceland, which is already a member of the single market but seeks full membership for security reasons, it would show that the bloc can act strategically, as is necessary in the case of Ukraine.
As a reminder
Ukraine plans to open all six negotiation clusters by July and join the EU in 2027. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka.