Today, June 23, the European Council made a historic decision to grant Kyiv and Moldova EU candidate status, the first official step toward full membership in the Union.

Georgia, which also applied for EU membership, was denied due to the country’s perceived anti-democratic tendencies and unspoken alignment with Moscow following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The decision was supported by all 27 EU member states, effectively ending Russia’s attempts to reclaim its former spheres of influence.

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin has stated that his country believes that Ukraine’s early accession to the EU is the best way to ensure post-war reconstruction and democratic growth: “We know that membership can be transformative, that it can spur reforms and economic development,” he said, “despite the fact that Ukraine is going through a terrible, inhumane war.”

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchéz reiterated his country’s support for Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia joining the EU.

Meanwhile, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who initially opposed granting Ukraine candidate status, stated that “more progress has been made on Moldova and Ukraine, enough to come [to] the decision to grant candidate status.” But before the negotiations can begin, a lot of things must happen.”

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo added, “We must be clear. It will be a long, long road for Ukraine, with massive reforms that will take a long time.”

Mazi Vladimir Chimaobi Ugwu Obinwannem News writer / 24/06/2022