France and Germany Propose “Associate Membership” for Ukraine’s EU Path

Berlin and Paris are promoting a phased integration model that offers Ukraine institutional representation without voting rights, as Kyiv continues to reject any “ersatz” versions of membership. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied France’s President Emmanuel Macron (R) and Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz (L) gesture in the courtyard at the end of a meeting of allies, at the presidential Elysee Palace in Paris on April 17, 2026. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google France and Germany are advocating for an associate membership format for Ukraine, as concerns grow within the European Union that full accession could take a decade or more, Financial Times reported. According to reports from the Financial Times, this model would allow Ukraine to have representation in the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers, though without the power to vote. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The proposal includes gradual integration into the EU single market and specific programs, while delaying access to major regional and agricultural subsidies. Supporters argue this provides a “bridge” to full membership and helps prepare European public opinion. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently described this as a “strategic gradual rapprochement,” noting that immediate full entry is not currently feasible due to the ongoing war and the scale of required reforms. However, the “gradual” approach faces significant resistance in Kyiv. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has explicitly rejected any “ersatz membership” or “partial” formats , emphasizing that Ukraine seeks full integration with all associated rights and obligations. This firm stance comes even as the EU prepares a €90 billion loan package and moves toward opening negotiation clusters this summer. The debate is further complicated by internal EU politics, including a shift in Hungary. While the incoming Hungarian prime minister, Péter Magyar, is expected to approve the €90 billion loan, he has signaled that his support for accession talks remains conditional on Ukraine granting more rights to its Hungarian minority . Other Topics of Interest Slovak PM Fico Asserts No Peace Deal Without Ukraine’s Consent Following a phone call with President Zelensky, Robert Fico confirmed Slovakia’s support for Ukraine’s EU membership and emphasized that any peace agreement requires Kyiv’s approval. Despite these hurdles, President Volodymyr Zelensky and Moldovan President Maia Sandu continue to push for the formal opening of negotiation clusters without further delay. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.