Before the EU summit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called on leaders to take historic responsibility for the expected decision to grant Ukraine EU candidate status.
Source: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
“History is on the march. And I am not just talking about Putin’s war of aggression. I am talking about the wind of change that once again blows across our continent. With their applications, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia are telling us that they want to change. They want more democracy, more freedoms and stronger reforms. They are telling us that they want Europe. We have a responsibility towards them, but we also have a responsibility towards ourselves to make the right choice.”
According to her how far Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia will come and how quickly they proceed will depend first and foremost on their actions and their progress.
“But how we respond to their passion and their progress is our choice, and ours only. This Parliament has already spoken, loud and clear. I would like to thank you again for that. It is now up to the European Council to decide, and live up to the historic responsibility we are confronted with. And the next chapter is being written today by the brave people of Ukraine, and by all of us, who must accompany them on their European path. Again, this is Europe’s moment. And we must seize it.”
See also: Ukraine plans to meet EU requirements for membership by the end of year
