The European Commission has recommended that Ukraine be granted candidate status as a member of the European Union.
Source: The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
“Ukraine has clearly demonstrated the country’s aspiration and commitment to live up to European values and standards,” she said, while wearing yellow and blue — the colors of Ukraine’s flag.
“Despite the war, we have applied the Commission’s rigorous standards in assessing these membership applications. Ukrainians are ready to die for the European perspective. We want them to live with us the European dream,” she added.
In addition, the head of the European Commission conducted a general review of Ukraineʼs readiness to join the EU, noting that Ukraine has complied with the Association Agreement by 70%.
At the same time, von der Leyen stated that Ukraine should carry out reforms in the field of law enforcement and anti-corruption legislation.
The European Commission also recommended to grant Moldova the candidate status, on the understanding that the country will carry out reforms.
“Moldova is on a real pro-reform, anti-corruption and European path. It still has a long way to go. But we believe it has the potential to live up to the criteria.”
At the same time, the President of the European Commission noted that Georgia has yet to fulfil additional conditions for obtaining candidate status.
“Georgia must now come together politically to design a clear path towards structural reform and the EU. So we recommend Georgia to grant the European perspective, but to come back and assess how it meets a number of conditions before granting it candidate status.”
