Merz proposes: Western Balkans as observer in the EU, Ukraine as associate member

2026-05-21 15:00:16, Kosova & Bota CNA

Merz proposes: Western Balkans as observer in the EU, Ukraine as associate

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposed that the Western Balkan countries be granted observer status in the European Union, while Ukraine be granted the status of a so-called associate member without voting rights.

In a letter that Merz sent to EU leaders - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, currently holding the EU presidency - he assesses that a new dynamic is needed for Ukraine, the Western Balkans, and Moldova.

In the letter seen by Radio Free Europe, Merz emphasizes that the EU enlargement process is taking too long and, according to him, this is causing understandable anger in both candidate countries and member states.

For the Western Balkan countries and Moldova, Merz proposes considering "innovative solutions" to accelerate their EU membership process.

It suggests, among other things, privileged access to the European single market and closer ties with EU institutions in the daily decision-making process.

He also proposes granting observer status to the Western Balkan countries in all relevant European Union institutions, as well as holding joint meetings of the European Commission or the European Parliament with representatives of the region, on issues directly related to it.

"Gradual integration can be achieved by building blocks that would serve as a basis for the full implementation of relevant policy areas, and would then be accompanied by greater support for the implementation of EU laws. In addition, we can also advance institutional integration on the basis of real progress. All this could significantly bring the candidate countries closer to us and stimulate a new ambition for further reforms towards full membership," the German Chancellor's letter states.

"Let us remain firmly committed to the promise that the Western Balkan countries and Moldova can join the European Union, as set out in the Copenhagen Criteria and the Thessaloniki Agenda of 2003. Our goal has not changed: the completion of the European Union through the inclusion of all candidate countries," the letter states.

Of the Western Balkan countries, Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia are candidates for membership, while Kosovo is not.

The German head of government proposes that Ukraine be immediately enabled to move closer to the European Union and its main institutions, "without influencing the ongoing accession negotiations, but by encouraging and supporting that process."

According to him, the status of “associated member state” could include, among other things, participation in meetings of European Union leaders or ministers without the right to vote, the status of an associated member of the European Commission and the European Parliament, also without the right to vote, as well as the gradual implementation of European Union laws in accordance with Ukraine’s progress in accession negotiations – “not automatically, but after the approval of the Council of the European Union and with appropriate safeguard clauses.”

Merz also proposes an automatic return mechanism in the event of a return to the fundamental values ??of the European Union, especially when it comes to the rule of law or structural setbacks in accession negotiations.

"Ukraine is a member of the European family and we will continue to support it in building a peaceful and prosperous future within the European Union. With this approach, Ukraine would take a major step forward, immediately approaching full membership. We would offer Ukraine a significant equivalent of membership, which far exceeds what we would be able to achieve in the medium term through our accession methodology, especially taking into account the ratification process," the German Chancellor's letter states.

He also underlines that the proposal for Ukraine reflects the specific situation of this country.

In parallel, the letter states, the European Union will continue with the regular accession procedure, to ensure that formal accession is achieved as soon as possible.

The German Chancellor believes that these proposals do not require changes to the institutional and legal framework of the European Union, but only a "strong political agreement".

He adds that these issues can be resolved if Europeans take a constructive approach to this special status, because it would be a strong political signal, which Ukraine and its citizens need at a time of their ongoing struggle against Russian aggression./REL