Europe 1 with AFP 10:05 p.m., June 23, 2022, modified at 10:05 p.m., June 23, 2022

Emmanuel Macron, whose country holds the half-yearly presidency of the Council of the EU, welcomed "a political gesture" of "a strong and united Europe", during a press conference in Brussels where a European summit is being held.

"We have advanced by leaps and bounds," said the French president.

The status of candidate for the European Union granted Thursday to Ukraine and Moldova by the Twenty-Seven is a "very strong signal vis-à-vis Russia", estimated French President Emmanuel Macron.

The president, whose country holds the half-yearly presidency of the Council of the EU, welcomed "a political gesture" of "a strong and united Europe", during a press conference in Brussels where a European summit is being held. 

"We have advanced by leaps and bounds," said the French president.

"All of this we owe to the Ukrainian people who are fighting to defend our values, their sovereignty, their territorial integrity, we also owe it to Moldova given its political situation, the destabilization it is undergoing and the generosity she was able to demonstrate”, continued Emmanuel Macron.

"The process that is embarking on will be demanding," he warned.

"A very good day for Europe"

The Heads of State and Government of the EU have recognized Ukraine and Moldova as EU candidates, and granted "a European perspective" to Georgia, which will still have to carry out reforms before joining. obtain this status.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed "a major moment, a very good day for Europe".

This decision "strengthens us all", "it strengthens Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia in the face of Russian aggression", she judged.