In the winter of 2013, millions of Ukrainians gathered in the center of Kyiv for weeks and months.

They protested for democracy, a reliable judiciary, an end to rampant corruption - and for their country's pro-European path, which Yanukovych wanted to abandon under pressure from the Kremlin.

It was clear to the people on the Euromaidan that the EU can only be the only conceivable partner for enforcing their rights – their dignity – through reforms.

They were very clear that Vladimir Putin would not be a partner for this.

And today at the latest, in the fourth month of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, we all know how much Putin is fighting for a free, sovereign Ukraine and a victory for democracy and the rule of law in the post-Soviet space.

Since Euromaidan, Ukraine has not only been exposed to permanent Russian destabilization measures, the annexation of Crimea and the war in Donbass, but has nevertheless implemented reforms that are second to none.

The guiding star of this positive development and the committed civil society behind it was and is the EU.

Since 2019, EU membership has been a state goal enshrined in the country's constitution.

The goal of EU membership has initiated agricultural, judicial, financial and privatization reforms as well as the constitutional amendment for decentralization, with which the democratic self-government of the regions was massively strengthened.

As in many EU countries, fighting corruption remains an enormous challenge in Ukraine.

However, the Ukrainian High Anti-Corruption Court and Anti-Corruption Office give reason to hope that the existing forces of inertia can be overcome in the long term.

Many requirements are not yet met

The Russian war against Ukraine is also a war against the country's European integration and thus indirectly against our community of values.

In recognition of this fact, the EU decided on unprecedented sanctions and sided with Ukraine.

The agreements on constant arms deliveries are also an expression of our solidarity.

The EU is thus already fulfilling some of the obligations arising from the much-discussed EU assistance clause.

And yet more is needed than affirming Ukraine's right to self-defense.

A perspective is needed for a free, democratic Ukraine.

And once again the question arises as to who on this continent can provide such a perspective if not the European Union: the EU needs a political signal for Ukraine to have a clear prospect of accession.

This perspective begins with candidate status and a credible negotiation process.

Only those who want to grant Putin another stage victory deny Ukraine EU candidate status.

On the way to full membership, it is also important to strengthen the OSCE and the Council of Europe as central institutions of the European peace order.

Many of the conditions for Ukraine's EU accession are still not being met today, and the devastation of the war is raising existing barriers to entry.

But candidate status would fulfill several political functions: It shows the Kremlin the clear path of Ukraine.

He will help to bear the immense costs of destruction and reconstruction.

Above all, the gradual integration into the EU internal market will help Ukraine back on its feet in the long term.

Access to the internal market and the prospect of EU membership are the growth stimuli that Ukraine will need.

Ultimately, the status creates the urgently needed investment security.

No one would invest in and rebuild a country whose future remains uncertain.

And in addition to Ukraine, the EU also benefits

If we recognize that the war is also directed against EU integration, it becomes clear that candidate status is in the EU's strategic interest.

The capital cities should bear this in mind when Commission President von der Leyen makes a recommendation on candidate status.

Zelenskiy's desire for accession as quickly as possible underscores above all the will of his compatriots to continue on the path of continuous advancement despite the war.

Nobody wants accession at a discount, on the contrary – Ukrainians base their pride on earning EU membership.

Everyone is aware that there is no walk in waiting here.

The candidate status must therefore also be an obligation on the part of the EU to actively support a lengthy process.