Merz sees Ukraine's EU membership in the "distant future" and rebukes AfD with mention of champagne trips to Moscow
Kyiv • UNN
Merz proposed associate EU membership for Ukraine and reaffirmed support. He condemned the trips of AfD deputies to Moscow for champagne receptions.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that in the "long term" Ukraine will join the EU, confirmed his intention to continue supporting Ukraine, and reacted sharply to the AfD's response, pointing to their "trips to Moscow for champagne receptions," UNN reports, citing DW.
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Waging a defensive war against Russia, Ukraine is "defending our freedom as well, the freedom and security in all of Europe," Merz stated during a speech in the Bundestag.
"After all, Ukraine is part of Europe. In the long term, it will also become part of the European Union,"
According to the German Chancellor's assessment, Ukraine has made notable progress on the path of reforms since 2022.
"That is precisely why a few days ago I proposed granting Ukraine associate membership in the EU. It would mean Ukraine's regular participation in European Council meetings and meetings of relevant ministerial councils. A Ukrainian commissioner, for now without a portfolio or voting rights, would become the face of Kyiv in Brussels," Merz once again explained the essence of his proposal. "Deputies from Ukraine, without voting rights, would participate in European Parliament consultations. We would integrate (Ukraine - ed.) into political spheres in the EU as quickly as possible—of course, strictly considering the criteria and rules regarding the progress of reforms. This is what the people in Ukraine want, this is what Europe wants, and we will walk this path together."
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Achieving peace in Russia's war against Ukraine, now in its fifth year, is only possible through negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, Europe, and the USA, Merz also stated. "Our goal for Ukraine remains a just and long-term peace that also takes into account our security interests. For this reason and for this purpose, we support Ukraine. That is the truth. We are doing this today and will continue to do so tomorrow, as long as it is necessary," Merz emphasized.
"An EU loan of 90 billion euros for Ukraine has been approved. We are increasing pressure on Russia. We are taking more serious measures against the Russian 'shadow fleet' and are starting work on the 21st sanctions package," he listed.
"To counter Russia's open readiness for escalation, we are strengthening NATO's eastern flank. At the same time, we support efforts to end this Russian war of aggression through negotiations. A sustainable peace will only be achieved through negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, the USA, and Europe. Anything else will be impossible," noted the head of the German government.
"Ukraine has been defending its freedom for over four years," he continued.
Reacting to the laughter heard from the ranks of deputies at these words, Merz stated, addressing the faction of the far-right "Alternative for Germany" (AfD) party with reproach: "The fact that you laugh at this is symbolic. You laugh at the fate of millions of people in this country (Ukraine - ed.) and travel to Moscow for champagne receptions. Have a safe trip!" The hall reportedly met this remark with applause.