EVP leader Manfred Weber (CSU) firmly insisted that Ukraine needs a clear perspective toward full membership in the European Union. Speaking to “Politico’s” podcast, “Berlin Playbook,” Weber stated that full EU membership must remain the ultimate goal and requires an unambiguous commitment.
This stance comes amid ongoing discussions about Ukraine’s future status within the European Union. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) had recently proposed gradually integrating Ukraine closer to the EU first as an “associated member.” However, President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected this model, deeming a presence without a voting share “unfair.”
Weber countered this by emphasizing that full membership must stay the political objective. He noted, “The people in Ukraine are fighting for the right to live just as we do.” According to Weber, the critical issue is defining the specific path and structure required to achieve full membership.
Furthermore, he argued that the discourse should not focus solely on the financial costs of accession. Weber stressed that Ukraine is not merely a burden. While it is true that maintaining a functioning Ukrainian state involves expenditure, the EVP leader also asserted that Ukraine will eventually become an asset and a benefit to the EU.
