Germany and France proposed a “light” membership format for Ukraine in the European Union featuring symbolic benefits. The plan allows Kyiv to participate in ministerial and leadership meetings without voting rights or access to the common budget. This initiative aims to accelerate integration while avoiding the lengthy bureaucratic processes of full accession.
Financial Times reported this, citing official documents.
Berlin promotes a model that grants Ukraine a presence at discussions but limits its influence on final decisions. Meanwhile, France suggests an “integrated state status.” This model delays access to the Common Agricultural Policy and European funding until full membership occurs. Both nations emphasize that this “symbolic” power serves as an accelerator rather than an alternative to full entry.
However, Kyiv views these initiatives with caution. Ukrainian officials fear that any diluted concept of membership might discourage a population exhausted by the full-scale war. Nevertheless, Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka confirmed that Ukraine maintains active discussions with Paris and Berlin regarding these proposals.
Accession prospects
The European Commission is preparing a final proposal that likely reflects the Franco-German initiatives. A key element includes the potential application of the EU’s mutual defense clause to this format through a political declaration. This would provide Ukraine with additional security guarantees before official enlargement.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously stated that Ukraine aims to be fully ready for accession by 2027. Currently, most EU members remain wary of accelerated entry, fearing it might destabilize the bloc’s political dynamics.
Magyar’s demands to Ukraine
Amidst EU discussions, the leader of Hungary’s “Tisza” party, Peter Magyar, issued demands to Kyiv. He urged President Zelenskyy to resume the transit of Russian oil via the “Druzhba” pipeline.
Telex reported that Magyar warned his future government would not make concessions on energy issues. He characterized Ukraine’s diplomatic stance as “blackmail” and advised Kyiv to avoid such rhetoric when dealing with European leaders.
Previously, The Ukrainian Review reported that Zelenskyy will discuss Oschadbank funds seized by Orbán with Magyar.
