Ukrainian foreign minister on "associate EU membership" proposal: Ukraine's real goal must not be replaced

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has neither endorsed nor categorically rejected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's proposal for a new format of relations between the EU and Ukraine, but reiterated Kyiv's position on membership.

Source: Sybiha during an online conference for Ukrainian journalists on Friday 22 May, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Sybiha stressed that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's earlier statement rejecting "symbolic" EU membership remains Ukraine's official position: "The president of Ukraine has set out our position on Ukraine's membership, and it is unchanged."

Meanwhile, the minister said Ukraine does not object to exploring creative approaches.

Quote: "We see that discussions are already underway and that efforts are being made to find a modality for achieving membership. That is fine – let these discussions continue. But they cannot replace our strategic position, which is full and equal membership of the European Union."

Details: Sybiha stressed that Ukraine assesses "any initiatives that emerge in one capital or another" against that criterion and added that there are also non-public proposals under discussion. "We are aware of these ideas, and we are being consulted," he added.

Background:

• It was reported earlier that Merz has proposed the idea of "associate EU membership" for Ukraine as a temporary status that would partly address Kyiv's desire for rapid accession.
• Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has publicly opposed Merz's proposal for "associate EU membership" for Ukraine.

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