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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has hailed Brussels’ support for Ukraine’s membership in the European Union as a “historic” achievement.
The European Commission has recommended that Ukraine and Moldova be granted candidate status in the European Union, a move that marks the beginning of what is likely to be a long journey towards full EU integration.
The recommendation, announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on June 17, will be discussed by the leaders of the 27-nation bloc during a summit next week in Brussels. The start of accession talks requires the unanimous approval of all member states.
The unprecedented movement of this European body comes as Kiev is fighting Russia, which launched an unprovoked invasion of its neighbor on February 24, killing tens of thousands of people and causing great material destruction.
Although EU membership may still be years away, Zelensky, in his video speech, called the decision a “historic achievement” and said he would “certainly make our imminent victory” against Russia.
“Ukrainian institutions maintain stability even in conditions of war. “Ukraine’s democratic customs have not lost their power even now.” said Zelenskiy late on June 17th.
Announcing the decision, Von der Leyen hailed the Ukrainians’ connection to European values and their sacrifices in the fight against the unprovoked invasion of Russia.
“We all know that Ukrainians are ready to die for the European perspective. “We want them to live the European dream with us.” said von der Leyen at a press conference in Brussels.
Zelensky also announced that Ukraine will impose visas on Russians from next month.
“According to a decision planned by the Cabinet of Ministers, Ukraine will establish a visa regime for Russian citizens from July 1, 2022,He said.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu also welcomed the European Commission’s announcement, vowing that Moldovans would “work hard” to achieve eventual EU membership.
“The recommendation is based on the understanding that our country will make more efforts in key areas such as justice reform, the fight against corruption, public administration and human rights.” said Sandu.
“This is an important moment for the future of the Republic of Moldova and this is the hope that our citizens need.” she told the Telegram, adding that “we know the process will be difficult, but we are determined to follow this path.”
The commission said another aspiring state that submitted its membership this spring, Georgia, would only receive candidate status if it met certain conditions.
“Candidate status should be granted once a number of priorities have been addressed,” the commission said in a statement.
“To succeed, the country must now unite politically, to chart a clear path to structural reform and the European Union – a path that concretely defines the necessary reforms, brings civil society and benefits from broad political support,” von said. der Leyen at the press conference.
Reacting to the announcement, the Kremlin said it was closely following Ukraine’s bid to become an EU member.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the issue “requires our increased attention, because we are all aware of the intensification of discussions in Europe on the topic of strengthening the EU defense component.”
“There are different transformations and we are observing them in the most careful way.” he said in a conference call with reporters.
The Brussels decision was awaited, as it was recommended by the leaders of the three largest EU economies during a June 16 visit to the Ukrainian capital.
French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said after a meeting with Zelensky that they were in favor of Ukraine receiving “immediate” candidate status.
Zelensky submitted Ukraine’s bid for EU membership shortly after the start of the Russian occupation on February 24, with Moldova and Georgia following suit.
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