German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposed giving Ukraine a direct role in European Union structures as a temporary step towards EU membership, which he said could help facilitate a deal to end the war sparked by Russia's invasion.

In a letter to EU leaders, seen by Reuters, Merz suggested that Ukraine could be given a new “associate member” status that would allow Ukrainian officials to attend EU summits and ministerial meetings – but not vote in them.

The German chancellor also proposed that EU members make a "political commitment" to implement the bloc's mutual assistance clause towards Ukraine "with the aim of creating a substantial security guarantee."

But European officials say it is unrealistic for Ukraine to achieve full membership in the bloc in the coming years, even though 2027 was marked in a 20-point peace plan discussed between the United States, Ukraine and Russia.

Merz's proposal represents an attempt to find a middle ground between a quick accession and Ukraine's current status as a candidate country at the beginning of the process.

The process to join the bloc is usually long and bureaucratic, involving detailed negotiations and legal reforms to meet the EU's democratic and economic standards.

EU membership requires consent and ratification by each of the bloc's 27 members, a process that can lead to significant obstacles.

In this letter, Merz outlined the benefits that Ukraine could receive as an associate member, a category that does not exist under current EU rules.

These potential benefits include a non-voting Ukrainian associate commissioner in the European Commission and non-voting representatives in the European Parliament.

He said the proposal would not affect other candidate countries and suggested that the bloc "consider innovative solutions" for those who have been working to join the EU for a long time.

Merz said he plans to discuss his ideas with other European leaders.