the President of the European Council Charles Michel hailed a “historic moment”. The Twenty-Seven granted Ukraine and Moldova the status of candidate for integration into the European Union, following a European Council in Brussels on Thursday 23 June.
Never will opinions have been given in such a short time on a request for candidacy, an emergency motivated by the war led by Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky saluted on Twitter (in English) “a unique and historic moment in Ukraine-EU relations”. Moldovan President Maia Sandu applauded on the social network “a clear and strong signal of support”and thought “committed to move forward on the path of reform”.
Sincerely commend EU leaders’ decision at #EUCO to grant a candidate status. It’s a unique and historical moment in – relations. Thankful to @CharlesMichel, @vonderleyen and EU leaders for support. Ukraine’s future is within the EU. #EmbraceUkraine
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 23, 2022
Emmanuel Macron, who holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU (an EU body separate from the European Council), considered that this was a “very strong signal vis-à-vis Russia”. The Head of State, however, recalled that “the process that is taking place will be demanding”.
A long way to go before accession
It is indeed a highly symbolic stage for kyiv and Chișinău, but which only marks the beginning of a long and complex path. The two countries will still have to implement many reforms before officially joining the EU, as pointed out by the European Commission last week before giving his favorable opinion.
Western Balkan countries like Albania, stuck for years in the antechamber of the EU, did not hide their bitterness at the length of the procedures. “It’s a good thing to give status” candidate in Kyiv, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said, but he advised Ukrainians not to “no illusions” on quick access.
Georgia, which had made the same request, had moreover seen its candidacy disapproved by the European Commission, which considered “new reforms (…) required”. Its president claimed that Georgia was “ready to work with determination” to obtain candidate status.