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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has insisted that the country deserves full membership of the European Union, arguing that the country is defending Europe through its resistance against Russia’s invasion.
In a video address on Saturday, Zelensky said Ukraine’s role in Europe’s security meant its place in the bloc should be on a full rights basis rather than limited participation.
He stressed that there could be no complete European project without Ukraine and urged the EU to move forward with membership negotiations.
The remarks followed reports that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had proposed granting Ukraine “associate member” status during the lengthy accession process.
Under the proposal, Ukraine would participate in EU summits, have representation within the European Commission and gain access to parts of the bloc’s budget, but without full voting rights.
Ukraine applied for EU membership shortly after Russia launched its invasion in 2022. The country later secured candidate status, while formal accession talks began in 2024.
However, progress in the negotiations has been slow due to political opposition within the bloc and concerns over corruption reforms in Ukraine, which remain among the EU’s key conditions for membership.
