On May 23, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sent a letter to European Union leaders to protest Germany's proposal to grant Kiev the status of "affiliated member" in the EU. He said that this model would make Ukraine present in the bloc's mechanisms but have no real voice in the decision-making process.
According to the content of the letter accessed by Reuters, Mr. Zelensky affirmed that Ukraine's participation in EU meetings without voting rights is "unfair". The Ukrainian leader emphasized that Kiev needs to be treated equally in the European integration process.
The controversial proposal was made by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as a transition step before Ukraine becomes a full member of the EU. According to Mr. Merz, allowing Ukraine to attend bloc meetings without voting rights could contribute to promoting an agreement to end the 4-year conflict after Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
However, Mr. Zelensky believes that the current time is appropriate to promote the comprehensive accession process instead of applying a mechanism to limit power. In a letter to EU leaders, he emphasized that the fact that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has long opposed Ukraine's EU membership, was no longer in office after last month's election, has opened up new opportunities for accession negotiations.
It is unfair if Ukraine is present in the European Union but has no voice," Zelensky wrote in the letter. "This is the right time to promote Ukraine's membership in a fully and meaningful way.
The letter was sent to European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, the country currently holding the rotating presidency of the EU Council.
In his message, Mr. Zelensky also thanked European leaders for their support for Ukraine during the conflict. He affirmed that Kiev is playing an important defensive role for the entire bloc of 27 EU member states.
We are protecting Europe comprehensively, not partially or halfway," Zelensky emphasized. "Ukraine deserves a fair approach and equal rights in Europe.
