Mertz proposes advancing Ukraine's accession to the European Union through a "cohesion strategy."

German Chancellor Merkel stated on the 24th during an informal EU leaders’ meeting in Cyprus that Ukraine’s accession to the EU is currently not feasible, but a “connectivity strategy” could serve as a bridge to eventual membership. Merkel told media reporters that she suggested allowing Ukraine to participate in some EU institutional meetings before officially joining the EU, but without voting rights. She also recommended gradually integrating Ukraine into specific policy areas of the EU based on the progress of domestic reforms. Merkel said she has communicated multiple times with Ukrainian President Zelensky on these steps, and the above suggestions have received broad support from members of the European Council. (CCTV News)