Ukraine and Moldova should start the process of becoming EU members, the European Commission said Wednesday — but the two countries must do more to speed up their reforms in key areas.
The EU granted Ukraine candidate status last year and the recommendation that it begin formal negotiations on accession paves the way for the country, which is still fighting off Russian President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion, to become a member of the bloc.
The next step is for EU leaders to back the Commission’s plan at a summit in Brussels in December.
Kyiv, which has made a priority of joining the EU and NATO, must also tackle the remaining issues — including the treatment of minorities, anti-corruption and taking power away from oligarchs — that it was asked to address before it gets a start date for formal talks to begin.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the Commission’s decision in a video address to the nation.
“Today, the history of Ukraine and the whole of Europe took the right step. Pure positive. Despite all the difficulties, we are moving forward, and already in December, we expect a political decision from the European Council,” he said.
“Ukrainians have always been and are part of our common European family. Our country should be in the EU. Ukrainians deserve this for their protection of European values and the fact that even during a full-scale war, we keep our word by developing state institutions. We make all the necessary decisions,” Zelenskyy said.
The Commission also recommended granting candidate status to Georgia and recommended different actions for six aspiring Western Balkans countries.
This story is being updated.
Emily Foster is a globe-trotting journalist based in the UK. Her articles offer readers a global perspective on international events, exploring complex geopolitical issues and providing a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
