European Commission proposes candidate status for Ukraine

The European Commission is proposing to give Ukraine a “European perspective” and its status as a candidate country for EU membership. This was stated by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, at a press conference in Brussels. Moldova is also proposed to put the candidate.

– Ukraine has clearly demonstrated its determination to abide by European rules and standards, she said.

Von der Leyen noted that the country has a long way to go to be accepted as a member of the European Union and needs to introduce some reforms.

There is still some work to be done on the issue of the rule of law, oligarchy, the fight against corruption and fundamental rights, says Ursula von der Leyen.

Sweden’s Foreign Minister Anne Lind’s letter (Q) In the morning, that Sweden, with some reservations, is behind the candidate status of both Ukraine and Moldova.

– It is a very important signal for Ukraine, she says.

Macron and Schulze in Kyiv

German Prime Minister Olaf Schulz and French President Emmanuel Macron, among others, visited Kyiv on Thursday to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky. In addition to promising more weapons, they expressed support for Ukraine’s application to the European Union.

The four of us endorse immediate candidate status for membership. Macron said the situation will be accompanied by a roadmap that takes into account the situation in the Balkans and neighboring countries, in particular Moldova.

All EU member states must say yes to candidate status in order to start accession negotiations. It is expected that decisions will be taken by all EU countries during the summit in Brussels next week.