Europe News
'Associate membership' risks leaving Ukraine in limbo, Ireland warns
Helen McEntee, Ireland's foreign minister, warned that granting "associate membership" to Ukraine risks leaving the country in a limbo in its aspirations to join the European Union as a full member, following German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's unprecedented plan.
Europe News
Merz's plan of 'associate membership' for Ukraine gets mixed reviews
Diplomats in Brussels are casting doubt over German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's bold plan to grant Ukraine "associate membership". The European Commission says any innovative solution should respect the "merit-based" nature of the multi-chapter accession process.
Europe News
Merz doubles down on opposition to ‘Draghi-style’ common debt proposal
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reiterated his opposition to issue additional joint debt to strengthen European competitiveness during a speech in Aachen on Thursday, in response to Mario Draghi’s acceptance speech for the Charlemagne Prize.
Europe News
'No strategy' behind Trump's withdrawal of NATO troops from Germany
Trump did not warn allies prior to his abrupt announcement of the withdrawal of 5,000 active-duty troops from Germany. The sudden move came amid an ongoing feud with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, sparked by his criticism of the US' war in Iran, and Washington's strategy.
Europe News
Merz suggests Ukraine’s EU bid may depend on territorial concessions
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday that Ukraine’s proposed timeline for EU membership is unrealistic, as debate over enlargement continues to intensify. “Zelenskyy had the idea of joining the EU on January 1, 2027. That will not work. Even January 1, 2028, is not realistic."