Germany’s next Chancellor backs Ukraine’s EU and NATO aspirations — but only after war

Germany’s incoming Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has voiced his support for Ukraine’s future membership in both the European Union and NATO, while underscoring that such steps can only take place once the ongoing war ends.

“A country at war cannot become a member of NATO or the European Union,” Merz stated, emphasizing that while both accession promises remain valid, peace is a prerequisite.

He noted that Ukraine’s integration into the EU and NATO remains a long-term goal, but practical and security considerations require the conflict to be resolved first.

Notably, NATO membership during wartime is highly improbable due to Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, which treats an attack on one member as an attack on all. Admitting a country actively engaged in war could trigger a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia—an outcome the alliance is keen to avoid.

While the EU has no legal clause preventing the accession of a country at war, in practice, membership talks are expected to move forward only after significant stabilization.