EU-27 approve Ukraine and Moldova's applications for EU membership: Zelensky hails a unique and historic moment

The heads of state and government of the 27 EU countries decided on Thursday to follow the Commission's advice and grant Ukraine and Moldova the status of candidate countries. The political decision, which still needs to be formalized, was taken at the summit in Brussels. Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel announced the expected news on Twitter. Within minutes, the President of the European Council Charles Michel confirmed it. This is a historic moment, added the Belgian. This day marks a crucial step on your path to the EU. 

 

Georgia, which had officially applied for membership on the same day as Moldova, will also have candidate status once certain priorities have been settled, added Charles Michel. The European Council recognizes its European perspective.

 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Thursday a unique and historic moment after Ukraine was granted official candidate status to the European Union by the 27, a decision expected by Kiev in the midst of the Russian invasion. This is a unique and historic moment in Ukraine-EU relations, Zelensky welcomed on Twitter, saying that, in his opinion, the future of Ukraine is in the EU.