Merz's proposal for partial Ukraine EU membership finds little support among member states

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposed last week that Ukraine could initially join the EU partially and without voting rights. The idea has received little backing from other EU member states.

German Chancellor [Friedrich Merz](/politicians/friedrich-merz) put forward a proposal last week suggesting that Ukraine could be integrated into the European Union in a partial capacity, initially without voting rights. The idea represents an unconventional approach to the long-running question of Ukrainian EU accession.

The proposal envisages a tiered membership model, where Ukraine would gain access to some EU benefits and frameworks without holding full decision-making powers. Merz argued this could allow Ukraine to begin benefiting from EU structures while the full accession process continues.

However, the idea has failed to gain traction among other EU member states, with most expressing either skepticism or outright opposition. Critics argue that a two-tier membership system could set a problematic precedent and undermine the integrity of the EU's accession framework.

Ukraine has been an official EU candidate country since June 2022, and Kyiv has consistently pushed for a clear path toward full membership. Ukrainian officials have emphasized that anything short of full membership would fall below their expectations and strategic goals.