Zelenskyy pushes for full-fledged EU membership for Ukraine
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: facebook.com/zelenskyy.official)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine’s presence in the European Union must be full-fledged and equal.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine continues its active diplomatic work with EU partners to bring the country closer to bloc membership.
"Ukraine is fighting for its life, for its independence, and for the Europe that has lived in peace the longest, protects people and life, protects culture, and precisely because of this protection plays a truly global role," the president said.
He added that "there can be no complete European project without Ukraine" and called for the opening of negotiation clusters.
"Ukraine's presence in the EU must also be full-fledged and equal. It is essential to open clusters. It is essential to move meaningfully in negotiations. It is vital to work at 100% for security and for our people," President Zelenskyy concluded.
Background
Recently, reports emerged that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposed granting Ukraine a special "associate member" status in the EU.
This would allow Ukrainian officials to participate in EU summits and ministerial meetings, but without voting rights.
According to Reuters, Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded with a letter to EU leadership criticizing the proposal. The president rejected the "unfair" idea of Ukraine participating in the EU without voting rights.
