France and Germany have opposed fast-tracking Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, instead proposing an intermediate integration model without access to the bloc’s core mechanisms. This is reported by Financial Times, citing documents prepared by Paris and Berlin.
Under these proposals, Ukraine could receive a special status allowing it to participate in EU meetings and institutions, but without voting rights or access to the EU budget, including agricultural subsidies. Germany is promoting a model of “associated membership,” while France refers to the concept of an “integrated state.” In both cases, the idea is political alignment without full membership.
As the Financial Times notes, the EU’s largest powers have effectively rejected the initiative of the European Commission, which had previously proposed easing traditional enlargement procedures and granting Ukraine some membership benefits before it fully met all criteria. Most member states viewed this approach as too risky. According to the newspaper, this model could serve as a compromise, demonstrating political support for Kyiv without placing additional strain on the EU budget or disrupting the bloc’s institutional balance.
The German document emphasizes that this new status could be granted through a political decision by EU leaders, thereby bypassing lengthy bureaucratic procedures. France, for its part, stresses that gradual integration should deliver “tangible results” for citizens of candidate countries, even in the absence of full membership.
In Kyiv, the initiative is being met with caution. One Ukrainian official described the model as “shadow membership” in an interview with the Financial Times. According to the official, Ukraine expects clearer and fairer terms, particularly given its role in European security. Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Taras Kachka confirmed that Kyiv continues discussions with Paris, Berlin, and other EU capitals. “The situation is evolving. There are other documents,” he said.
Another source of uncertainty is France’s position requiring a referendum before any new country joins the EU. This could significantly slow down the process, even if political consensus is reached at the government level.
