Ursula von der Leyen – Photo © European Union 2022
(BRUSSELS) – The European Commission recommended Friday that Ukraine, as well as Georgia and the Republic of Moldova, should be given candidate status for membership of the European Union.
The Commission’s Opinions are based on its assessment in light of three sets of criteria to join the EU agreed by the European Council: political criteria, economic criteria and the ability of the country to assume the obligations of EU membership (EU acquis).
“Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia share the strong and legitimate aspiration of joining the European Union,” said Commission president Ursula von der Leyen: “Today, we are sending them a clear signal of support in their aspirations, even as they face challenging circumstances. And we do so standing firm on our European values and standards, setting out the path they need to follow in order to join the EU.”
The EU executive finds that Ukraine overall is well advanced in reaching the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities; has continued its strong macro-economic record, demonstrating a noteworthy resilience with macroeconomic and financial stability, while needing to continue ambitious structural economic reforms; and has gradually approximated to substantial elements of the EU acquis in many areas.
On this basis, the Commission recommends that Ukraine be given the perspective to become a member of the EU, granted candidate status on the understanding that steps are taken in a number of areas.
With regard to Moldova, the Commission concludes that the country has a solid foundation in place to reach the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities; macroeconomic policies have been reasonably sound and progress has been made in strengthening the financial sector and business environment but key economic reforms remain to be undertaken; the country has established a solid basis to further alignment with the EU acquis.
The Commission assesses that Georgia has a foundation in place to reach the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities, even if recent developments have undermined the country’s progress; it has achieved a good degree of macroeconomic stability and has a sound record of economic policy and a favourable business environment, but further reforms are needed to improve the functioning of its market economy; and overall, Georgia has established a solid basis for further alignment with the EU acquis.
Based on the Commission’s Opinions, the EU Member States will now have to decide unanimously on the next steps.
