Ukraine & Moldova granted the status of candidates to join the EU
Ukraine’s ambition to be associated with the European Union has reportedly made it past its first hurdle as leaders of the bloc have unanimously approved the nation as a candidate for membership. However, the war-stricken country still has a long way to go before it meets all the necessary conditions to be admitted into the EU.
According to reports, EU leaders also approved Moldova as a candidate for joining the bloc. As with Ukraine, the approval has but opened a way to a membership which could likely take several years.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, tweeted that this was a significant moment and a great day for Europe.
She also posted that both these countries are part of the European family.
Ukraine’s President, Voldymyr Zelenskyy, called it one of the most critical decisions in the history of Ukraine as an independent state.
Zelenskyy further stated that this is the most significant step towards consolidating Europe that can be taken right now, and thanked every leader of the EU individually in a statement.
The move is expected to offend Russia, which has previously strongly opposed to the prospect of former Soviet states such as Ukraine becoming closer and joining the West. However, it can be said that Russia inadvertently created situations that led to this decision.
Ukraine applied for its candidacy less than a week after being invaded by Russia, and its candidacy was also fast-tracked due to the war.
The EU member nation leaders approved the two countries’ candidacy during a special summit held in Brussels.
Ms. von der Leyen stated that this move solidifies Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia’s position in the face of Russian colonization.
She added that it also solidifies the position of the EU as it signifies that the countries are strong and stand together to face an external threat.
Maia Sandu, the president of Moldova, welcomed this historic moment for the small landlocked nation that borders Ukraine.
Sandu stated that while a challenging road lies ahead for the country, it offers more prospects of  opportunities, prosperity, and order. The country is said to be the poorest in the continental Europe.
Furthermore, Ukraine also seeks to join the NATO, which is independent of the EU. This prospect, however, stands far out of reach with Russian president, Vladimir Putin demanding that Ukraine be never allowed to become a member of the western military alliance.
Source credit: https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-and-moldova-accepted-as-candidates-to-join-european-union-12639355
