Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said in a letter to EU leaders that Germany's proposal to grant Ukraine “associate” membership of the European Union is “unfair” because it would leave Kiev without voting rights within the bloc
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has suggested allowing Ukraine to participate in EU meetings without voting rights as an intermediate step towards full membership of the Union, which he said could help facilitate a deal to end the four-year war sparked by Russia's invasion.
Zelenski responded, in a letter sent late on Friday and analyzed by Reuters, that the ouster of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban – a staunch opponent of Ukraine's EU membership – following last month's election created the opportunity for substantial progress in accession negotiations.
“It would be unfair for Ukraine to be present in the European Union, but remain without a voice,” Zelenskiy said in his message.
“The time is right to move forward with Ukraine's accession in a full and meaningful way,” he added.
The letter was addressed to European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, who holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council.
Zelenskiy thanked European leaders for their support during the war and said Ukraine acts as a bulwark against Russian aggression for the entire 27-nation bloc.
“We defend Europe – in full, not in part and not in half measures. Ukraine deserves a fair approach and equal rights within Europe,” he said.
