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Zelensky rejects Merz’s proposal to grant Ukraine EU associate membership

The time is right to move forward with Ukraine’s membership in a full and meaningful way, Zelensky said

MOSCOW, May 23. /TASS/. Vladimir Zelensky rejected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s proposal to grant Ukraine EU associate membership, calling it, in particular, "unfair."

"It would be unfair for Ukraine to be present in the European Union, but remain voiceless. The time is right to move forward with Ukraine’s membership in a full and meaningful way," Reuters quoted Zelensky as saying.

Earlier, the German chancellor sent a letter to other EU leaders and the heads of the European Commission and the European Council proposing to grant Ukraine special "associate member" status, which would allow Ukrainian representatives to participate in the work of governing institutions without the right to vote. Merz also proposed integrating Ukraine into all of the association’s military structures and extending Article 42.7 of the Treaty on the European Union to Ukraine. This clause provides for mutual assistance in defense.

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Ukraine Germany Vladimir Zelensky

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