No EU Membership During War: Chancellor Merz Outlines an Alternative Path for Ukraine.

Merz on Ukraine’s EU Accession

According to Novyny.live: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that Ukraine cannot become a full member of the European Union while the war continues. Instead, he suggested that the country could be considered for associate membership in the EU. According to Merz, a nation at war—like Ukraine—cannot join the European Union as a full member, but it could first become an associate member and later transition to full membership. This distinction is important for an English-speaking audience tracking EU enlargement policy amid ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe.

On June 15, 2026, Ukraine and Moldova launched the first cluster of EU accession negotiations. This step signals Ukraine’s commitment to European integration, though full membership is still expected to take several years. Merz pointed to Germany’s own phased integration as a potential model for Ukraine’s path toward joining the European Union.

“Ukraine cannot become a full member of the European Union during the war.” — Friedrich Merz

The German chancellor’s remarks highlight the challenges Ukraine faces in its integration process amid wartime conditions, which could significantly affect the pace and format of its cooperation with the EU. Associate membership could offer Ukraine certain benefits and support from the European Union, serving as a crucial milestone in its European integration journey. For now, the key priorities will be successful negotiations and the implementation of reforms that could drive further progress toward full membership.