00:00German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed granting Ukraine an interim status within the European Union.
00:07In a move, he says would support peace efforts and help strengthen security across Europe.
00:12Under the proposal, Ukrainian officials would be allowed to attend EU summits and ministerial meetings,
00:18although they would not have voting rights.
00:23In a letter seen by Reuters, Merz suggested of granting associate member status for Ukraine
00:29within the European Union framework.
00:31The German Chancellor also called for a political commitment from EU member states
00:36to extend the bloc's mutual assistance clause to Ukraine.
00:39He described the move as a substantial security guarantee
00:42that would strengthen Ukraine's position while wider peace efforts continue.
00:47European officials, however, still consider full EU membership for Ukraine unrealistic
00:52within the next few years, despite discussions around a possible 2027 target.
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