The European Commission recommended that Ukraine and Moldova be granted candidate status in a symbolic step on the long path to become members of the European Union, commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Friday.
The EU’s executive arm approved it with conditions that the pair will have to meet in the future on the rule of law, justice and anti-corruption. The commission also recommended that Georgia receive candidate status, but after it meets specific conditions.
“We have one clear message and that is, yes, Ukraine deserves European perspective. Yes, Ukraine should be welcomed as a candidate country,” von der Leyen said at a news conference. “Important work also remains to be done. The entire process is merits-based. It goes by the book.”
