German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed granting Ukraine "associate member" status within the European Union, a plan detailed in a letter seen by AFP on Thursday, May 21, 2026. This proposal, which aims to bring Ukraine closer to the EU's core institutions while full membership negotiations continue, would allow Kyiv representation at EU summits, the European Commission, and the European Parliament, but without voting rights. Merz emphasized this is a political solution to bridge the gap in the lengthy accession process, suggesting Ukraine could benefit from parts of the EU budget and be covered by the bloc's mutual assistance clause. The plan acknowledges the numerous hurdles and political complexities involved in full ratification but stresses it is not a "membership light" and aims for Ukraine's eventual full membership.