Documents obtained by the Financial Times indicate that Berlin and Paris do not intend to cut corners. Instead of full-fledged membership, they propose a model that Ukrainian officials have already dubbed “shadow membership.”
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Privileges without money or voice
The proposals of both capitals, although different in nomenclature – Germany talks about “associate membership” and France about the “status of an integrated state” – are similar in key points. Ukraine could take part in ministerial meetings and leadership summits, but without the right to vote.
However, the biggest blow to Kiev is financial. Paris and Berlin want to exclude Ukraine from the EU budgetincluding direct payments to farmers (CAP) and cohesion funds, until full membership is obtained.
Security guarantees instead of subsidies
Although the proposal seems harsh, it contains one element that Kiev cares about most: the EU's mutual defense clause. Given the uncertain path to NATO, Berlin suggests that this mechanism could be activated with a “simple political declaration.”
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Additionally, countries with associated status would have easier access to selected programs, such as Erasmus plus or digital partnerships, which is supposed to be “visible progress for citizens”.
Fear of EU destabilization
Most EU countries fear that the sudden inclusion of such a large and war-ravaged country would turn the EU's political dynamics upside down and completely drain the common budget.
France is also struggling with internal pressure – each accession there requires a referendum, and the upcoming presidential elections make it so politicians fear the anger of farmers for whom Ukrainian competition is a inflammatory topic.
Kyiv: you need us as much as we need you
Ukrainian diplomats react to these reports with mixed feelings. On the one hand, they admit that certain elements of staged integration may be useful, on the other hand, they warn against offering a “member-like product” to society.
— These guys need to understand that they need Ukraine too. If they want real security, they need to make a fair offer – one of the Ukrainian officials commented to the daily.
