EU Ministers grant Ukraine and Moldova EU candidate status
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (L), European Council President Charles Michel (C) and French President Emmanuel Macron (R) leave after holding a press conference during a European Council in Brussels on June 23, 2022. AFP - JOHN THYS
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
"
This is a unique and historic moment in Ukraine-EU relations
", welcomed Volodymyr Zelensky, adding that "
the future of Ukraine lies within the EU
".
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Gathered for the traditional summer European Council, the leaders of the 27 member countries of the European Union recognized on Thursday
the status of EU candidate for Ukraine and Moldova.
The announcement was made by the President of the Council, Charles Michel, who spoke of "
a historic moment
", while the Russian offensive has been going on for 4 months.
“
Today marks a crucial step on your way to the EU
,”
Charles Michel said
on Twitter to the attention of the two heads of state.
In particular, he addressed his congratulations to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and to Moldovan President Maïa Sandu, as well as to their peoples.
“
We have a future together
,” he added.
This decision comes after
a long day of telephone negotiations
with the Ukrainian president.
Volodymyr Zelensky himself spent his day on the phone with Heads of State and Government of the Union to ensure their support.
The former actor who became a warlord after the start of the invasion of his country by Russian troops hailed "
a historic moment
".
On the Moldovan side, this decision is a strong sign of support for the pro-European president Maïa Sandu.
His election in 2020 marked a turning point in the history of this small country of 2.6 million inhabitants landlocked between Romania and Ukraine and marked by a strong influence from Moscow.
It had put an end to nearly 30 years of governance by the Communists and Socialists, two Russophile parties.
“
Strong and United Europe
”
The granting of EU candidate status to the two countries is a "
very strong signal vis-à-vis Russia
", said President Emmanuel Macron.
While France holds the half-yearly presidency of the Council of the EU, he welcomed "
a political gesture
" of "
a strong and united Europe
", during a press conference in Brussels.
Obtaining candidate status is not, however, synonymous with rapid accession to the EU.
Last May, Emmanuel Macron recalled that this procedure could last "
decades
" before Ukraine actually becomes a member country.
Other European heads of state have warned the Ukrainians that they should not "
have any illusions
" about a quick accession.
To meet the Union's criteria, the two countries will have to put in place substantial reforms, particularly concerning the fight against corruption and the independence of the judiciary.
An initial assessment must be made by the Commission at the end of the year on the reforms that will be required of the two countries.
(With AFP)
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