'CAN'T JOIN EU NOW': Merz Defies Zel, Backs 'Partial EU Membership' For Ukraine | Times Now World

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended a proposal to grant Ukraine associate membership of the European Union while arguing that full membership is not possible as long as the country remains at war. Speaking in Brussels, Merz said Ukraine could become an associate member before eventually joining the EU as a full member, while stressing that Western Balkan candidates should not be sidelined in the enlargement process. The remarks come despite repeated calls from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for full EU membership and amid growing debate within the bloc over Ukraine's future integration, EU enlargement, and the ongoing war with Russia. #ukraine, #eu, #europeanunion, #merz, #zelensky, #germany, #brussels, #ukrainewar, #russiaukrainewar, #breakingnews, #worldnews, #geopolitics, #europe, #eupolitics, #ukraineeu, #friedrichmerz, #euenlargement, #westernbalkans, #politics, #internationalrelations Stay connected with Times Now World for real-time global news and analysis: 🌐 Read full coverage: https://www.timesnownews.com/world 📱 Instagram:   / timesnow.world   🐦 Follow us on X: https://x.com/TimesNow_World #timesnowworld #worldnews #breakingnews