Ukraine and Moldova have officially become candidates for membership in the European Union (EU). This was announced by the head of the European Council Charles Michel, as well as Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel.
"Agreed! The European Council has just decided to grant EU candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova. Historic moment! Today is a milestone on your path to the EU. Greetings, Vladimir Zelensky, Maia Sandu, and the peoples of Ukraine and Moldova. Our future is together!” Michel wrote.
Bettel also called it a historic moment and a "signal of hope" for the Ukrainian people.
On June 21, all 27 member states of the European Union (EU) agreed to grant Ukraine candidate status for EU membership.
Earlier, Bloomberg reported that the European Commission had recommended giving Ukraine the status of a candidate country for joining the European Union "as a step towards full EU membership." It was also reported that the body recommends granting a similar status to neighboring Moldova.
Ukraine officially applied for EU membership four days after the start of the war, on February 28, 2022. On March 1, the European Parliament supported a resolution granting Ukraine the status of a candidate country for EU membership.
