Merc proposes accelerated integration of the Western Balkans into the EU

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz assessed that the European Union enlargement process is taking too long, even though it is a geopolitical necessity, and proposed that innovative solutions be used to accelerate the integration of the Western Balkans and Moldova, and for Ukraine he also proposed associate membership in the Union.

In a letter to European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Nikos Christodoulides, the President of Cyprus, which holds the presidency of the EU Council, Merz stressed that the EU should remain committed to the promise that the Western Balkan countries and Moldova can join the EU.

"I propose that we find innovative solutions for those candidates who have been preparing for membership for a long time and that we accelerate their accession process," Merc wrote in a letter sent on May 18th and published today.

As an example of such solutions, he cited privileged access to the EU single market and closer ties with European institutions in making everyday decisions.

This, he stated, could be achieved by "granting observer status to the Western Balkan countries in all relevant EU institutions, and holding joint sessions of the European Commission and the European Parliament with representatives of the Western Balkan countries on all issues directly related to the region."

Gradual integration could be achieved through "phased steps" that would form the basis for full integration in certain areas of EU policy and be accompanied by increased support for the implementation of the EU acquis in those areas, the German Chancellor's letter states.

"All of this could bring candidate countries significantly closer to the EU and create new ambition for the implementation of additional reforms necessary for full membership," said Merc.

As for Ukraine, Merck assessed that, given Kiev's defense against Russian aggression, it is clear that the negotiation process with the EU will not be completed anytime soon and that therefore the EU must act much faster with "innovative solutions".

"That's why I think we should immediately and without delay formally open all negotiation chapters" with Ukraine, Merz said, and suggested that his idea of ​​"associated membership" be considered.

"My idea is that we should already take a unique step of including Ukraine in the EU's existence and structures, considering the situation it has found itself in," Merz wrote.

It was clarified that such associate member status would mean that Ukraine could participate in meetings of the European Council and the Council of the EU, but without the right to vote.

According to Merck, Ukraine should also be granted the right to participate in the work of the European Commission, but without portfolios and voting rights, as well as associate membership in the European Parliament, also without voting rights. It would have a similar associate membership in the European Court of Justice.

The EU budget would not immediately apply in full to Ukraine, but in the form of controlled programs depending on the country's progress, and there would also be a political mechanism that would abolish all these benefits in the event of a serious setback by Kiev in the area of ​​fundamental EU values ​​or in negotiations, Merck suggested.

The German Chancellor also assessed that, by fully aligning with the EU's common foreign and security policy, Ukraine would receive "an essential security guarantee" through Clause 42 on mutual assistance.