Brussels, (MINA) – The European Commission (EC) has confirmed that they have received a letter from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in which he proposes granting the status of “an associate member” to Ukraine, as well as observer status to the Western Balkans countries.

EC spokesman Guillaume Mercier said that the institution he represents welcomes the fact that this discussion is taking place among member states and encourages the continuation of the discussion at the level of European Council.

“It really shows that there is a strong commitment also from the member states to make enlargement a reality as soon as possible. It’s very clear that enlargement is a now a geostrategic investment, as we said several times, in our prosperity, peace and security, and precisely Ukraine’s accession to the EU is now fundamentally linked to the security of our Union”, Mercier said at a press conference.

He added that it is equally important to deliver the completion of the EU with all the candidate countries that have been working towards accession for many years, reports Radio Free Europe.

“Any innovative solutions should be driven by this merit-based process. Looking forward, we need to make sure that our approach to enlargement is fit for purpose”, said Mercier.

That is why, as he said, the EC will continue to actively engage with the member states and candidate countries in order to find the best solutions and make us stronger and safer as a Union.

In a letter made public on Thursday, Merz proposes privileged access to the single European market and closer ties with European institutions for the Western Balkans and Moldova in the daily decision-making process.

On the other hand, for Ukraine, he proposes a significant approach to the EU and its key institutions, without affecting the current accession negotiations, but by encouraging and supporting that process.