German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has signaled a shift toward a “strategic gradual rapprochement” for Ukraine’s integration into the EU, emphasizing that while full membership is the ultimate goal, immediate entry is not currently feasible, DW reported.
Speaking in Nicosia on Friday, April 24, following an informal meeting of EU heads of state, Merz proposed a model where Ukraine could participate in European Council meetings without voting rights and gradually join specific policy areas based on reform progress.
“It is clear to everyone that Ukraine’s immediate accession to the EU is, of course, impossible,” Merz noted, adding that his goal is to build a “bridge” to future full membership through accelerated negotiations and closer institutional cooperation.
The proposal comes at a turning point in EU-Kyiv relations. During the summit in Cyprus, EU leaders formally approved a €90 billion ($105 billion) support loan to cover Ukraine’s budgetary and defense needs through 2027.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also called for the opening of negotiation clusters “without delay,” praising Ukraine’s rapid progress in aligning its legislation with European standards.
However, the “gradual” approach suggested by Germany and France faces resistance in Kyiv. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated on April 22 that Ukraine would not accept any “ersatz membership” or “partial” formats. “There is a clear position – we will not accept any form of partial membership,” Sybiha emphasized, reiterating that Ukraine seeks full integration with all associated rights and obligations.
The diplomatic friction highlights the delicate balance the EU is attempting to strike. While the bloc has recently adopted its 20th sanctions package against Russia and unlocked significant funding, several member states remain cautious about fast-tracking membership, citing potential disruptions to the EU budget and internal balance.
As President Volodymyr Zelensky calls for the swift implementation of military and economic agreements, the debate over “symbolic” versus full integration is expected to intensify in the coming months.