Germany Pushes for Closer EU-Ukraine Ties Amid Integration Challenges
Friedrich Merz suggested it was conceivable that Ukraine could be more closely integrated into European institutions—for instance, by regularly attending EU Council or parliamentary sessions without voting rights. He said he had proposed such measures at the summit and received support for them.
While there had been no open opposition to further aligning Ukraine with the EU during the informal summit, Merz acknowledged that reservations existed within the EU Council and that any negotiations on the matter would be highly challenging.
Regarding the recently approved EU funds for Ukraine, the chancellor urged members of his own cabinet not to use this as an excuse to cut or eliminate bilateral aid commitments. "In any case, I intend to continue cooperation with Ukraine," Merz stated, emphasizing that this was independent of the EU loan package.
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