Additional advantages on Ukraine's path to full EU membership – German ambassador on Merz’s idea

When German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz wrote to the EU leadership to propose a special path for Ukraine towards EU accession (and a new status for Ukraine which Merz dubbed "associate membership"), the letter triggered a reaction in Kyiv that Berlin probably hadn’t been expecting.

However, it was important to hear an explanation from Germany. So we were happy to accept an invitation to discuss the issue with the German Ambassador to Kyiv, Heiko Thoms.

Read more in the interview with the ambassador who explains Merz’s motives, acknowledges that some elements should be adjusted and says that other elements were misunderstood in Kyiv: Full EU membership plus an add-on for Ukraine: Germany’s ambassador in Kyiv defends Merz proposal.

Berlin sees something positive even in Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s rather critical comments about the German idea.

There were a number of reactions which do not necessarily reflect the intention of the letter sent by Chancellor Merz. It’s a proposal specially designed and tailored for Ukraine, a country which is at war, which needs our support, which is receiving our support, and which will continue to receive our support.

And one of the ways of expressing our support is to pave the way for Ukraine into the European Union.

For the German government, the goal is to get Ukraine into the European Union, and we want Ukraine to be in the EU as fast as possible.

And the proposal by the Chancellor, by the German government, is meant to speed the process up and give Ukraine additional ways of being represented in Brussels on your way to the EU. 

It’s something that we are not going to offer to other candidate countries because we want to reflect Ukraine's unique position as a country at war, which is still making great progress. 

The only thing that I believe is very important for everyone to understand is that there cannot be a discount on EU membership. The accession process, with all the steps that need to be taken, is first and foremost in the interest of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.

"Associate membership" is an additional proposal developed for Ukraine on its path towards full EU membership. But we are not married to that name. If someone comes up with a better name, we are for it.

We’re offering full membership, which is the desired outcome for President Zelenskyy, plus some additional elements. The Merz proposal also reflects that it is not only your interest but also our interest to have Ukraine inside the EU. For that, we are bringing you as close to us as possible already today.

And there’s something I want to make very clear: the proposal by us, by Germany, to Ukraine is, I believe, the most concrete proposal that has been on the table yet. And it's probably the best proposal that will be discussed anytime soon for Ukraine.

But the opening of at least one first cluster might be a matter of weeks, if not days – that’s what we’re pushing for. You know there will be a European Council [meeting] in June, and it’s usually a moment when important decisions are being taken.

And for all the rest of the clusters, I believe we will also be making progress soon. But again, in the end, what is really important is not formal steps. What is important is changes in substance. And there Ukraine has homework to do.

Despite Russia’s threats, we have absolutely no reason to change our presence here in Kyiv. 

We consider Ukraine not only a partner, but also a friend. And we will continue to support you.

Indeed, we can now fairly say that we are overall the number one supporter of Ukraine.