The leader of Ukraine has been reported to want to be fully enrolled in the union in response to the proposal of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Vladimir Zelensky of Ukraine has ignored that “unfair” anything less than full membership of the European Union in response to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s proposal to offer ‘partner membership to Kiev,’ Reuters has reported.
Immediately after the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022, Kiev was granted the status of an EU candidate and since then it has been pushing for a quick adoption into the union. Despite reservations from many member states, including Germany and France, Zelensky has called for full membership as early as 2027.
On Saturday, Reuters reported that the Ukrainian leader had sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, who holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.
“It would be unfair for Ukraine to be in the European Union, but remain silent,” Zelensky reportedly wrote in a letter seen by Reuters, stressing that “The time is right to move forward with Ukraine’s membership in a full and meaningful way.”
According to the publication, Zelensky specifically mentioned the ouster of former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose party lost the general election last month. While in power, Orban strongly opposed the prospect of Ukraine’s membership in the EU.
Under current rules, a new country can only join the union with the support of all 27 member states.
In his letter, the leader of Ukraine reportedly claimed that it was his country “it deserves a view of justice and equal rights within Europe” as supposed “to defend” that camp.
Earlier this week, several media reported that Merz had sent a letter to the EU leadership, and proposed ‘associate membership’ for Ukraine. The temporary status, which is not currently enshrined in the union’s laws, will give Kiev access to some EU-funded programs as well as the right to request help from member states in the event of an attack.
Under the plan, Ukraine will also be represented in the Council of Europe, the European Commission, and the European Parliament in a non-voting capacity, according to multiple media outlets, citing Merz’s letter.
