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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pitched "associate membership" for Ukraine.

Video. Merz's plan of 'associate membership' for Ukraine gets mixed reviews

Updated: 21/05/2026 - 18:31 GMT+2

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.

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