The European Commission backed Ukraine's bid to join the EU on Friday, a necessary hurdle for the country to clear in order to begin joining the bloc.
Ursula von der Leyen said that the European Commission supported the candidacy of Ukraine and Moldova for EU membership.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, praised the country's economic development before the war and its efforts to develop legal, democratic and anti-corruption institutions.
The Commission's opinion is a necessary step for Ukraine to begin the process of joining the bloc, but it still needs the approval of all 27 EU members.
The EU's three most powerful members, Germany, France and Italy, as well as Romania, endorsed Ukraine's membership bid in a visit to Kyiv on Thursday.
The fact that the country is currently at war is one of the reasons why officials from other countries are less enthusiastic about the candidacy.
If the war hadn't happened, Ukraine wouldn't be considered close to meeting the standards of prospective EU members, including on human rights, protecting minorities, a strong rule of law and democratic system, according to diplomats.
When other countries have been discussing candidate or membership status with the EU for a long time, it is questionable if it is fair to fast track Ukraine's application.
Zelensky said that joining the EU was a long-standing goal for the country. The country has an agreement in place to develop close economic and political ties with the bloc, but it has been hampered by historic opposition from Moscow. Just days after Russia invaded, Zelensky submitted an application for Ukraine to join the EU.
The EU leader summit takes place in June. The leaders of the EU's 27 members will make the final decision on whether to grant candidate status for Georgia. A unanimous decision is required.
How long will it take forUkraine to join the EU? The journey to align a country with the bloc's standards begins with candidate status. Von der Leyen said that there is no guarantee that a country will join the EU or that the process will be straight forward. It can go on for a long time. Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey are some of the countries that are being considered for candidacy. Turkey was granted candidate status in 1999 but talks with North Macedonia and Albania are not moving forward. It could take decades for Ukraine to join, according to France's president.
In the wake of the invasion of Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova applied for candidacy. According to Von der Leyen, the Commission is endorsingMoldova for candidacy. von der Leyen said that the Commission wouldn't be endorsing Georgia for candidate status because of the country's need to improve democracy, the judicial system and safeguard fundamental rights. The commission recommended that all three countries be considered as a potential candidate.
Ukraine's bid to join the EU was the only topic of discussion among EU countries.
WillUkraine join the EU? Here's what could come next after country completes membership questionnaire.
The message of European unity was conveyed by the leaders.
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