Ukraine has become an official candidate to join the European Union
A historic moment for Ukraine!
European leaders granted Ukraine candidate status in a historic decision that would open the door to EU membership.
“Agreement. European Union Council has just decided on EU candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova. A historic moment. Today marks a crucial step on your path towards the EU. Congratulations Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Maia Sandu and the people of Ukraine and Moldova. Our future is together,” President of European Council Charles Michael wrote on Twitter.
The bloc’s 27 leaders met in Brussels to make a decision nearly four months after the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy launched his country’s bid to join the bloc in the early days of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“It will strengthen Ukraine, it will strengthen Europe. It is a decision for freedom and democracy and puts us on the right side of history,” European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said ahead of the announcement.
The move from applicant to candidate usually takes years — but the EU has dramatically accelerated the process amid outrage over the brutality of the unprovoked Russian attack and to show solidarity with brave Ukraine’s defenders.
