Ukrainian president rejects Germany’s proposal for the country to participate in the European bloc only as an associate member
The president of Ukraine, (Servant of the People, center)claimed to be “unfair” for the country to become a non-voting state. In a letter sent to the bloc’s leaders on Friday (May 22, 2026), Zelensky rejected the group’s proposal Germany to grant Ukraine member status “associate” of the EU, according to .
The proposal was presented by the German Chancellor (CDU, center-right) as an intermediate step towards full membership of the bloc. The model would allow Ukraine to participate in European Union meetings, but without decision-making power.
“It would be unfair for Ukraine to be present in the European Union but remain without a voice”wrote Zelensky. According to the Ukrainian president, “the time has come” of moving forward with the country’s full membership of the European bloc.
In the letter sent to European Union leaders, such as the president of the European Council, , and the president of the European Commission, , Zelensky stated that the Viktor Orbán (Fidesz) of the Hungarian presidency opened space for progress in negotiations. Orbán was one of the main opponents of Ukraine’s entry into the EU.
The president also declared that Ukraine acts as “bulwark” of Europe in the war against Russia and defended equal rights within the European bloc.
