EU candidate status for Ukraine and Moldova recommended
Georgia still to address a number of priorities
The European Commission on June 17 recommended to the EU Council that Ukraine and Moldova be granted EU membership candidate status, on the understanding that steps are taken in a number of areas and, for Georgia, once a certain number of priorities will have been addressed.
Ukraine applied for EU membership on February 28, 2022, and Georgia and Moldova on March 3 – in the case of all three countries, following Russia’s current invasion of Ukraine.
The Council asked the Commission to compile opinions on the three countries’ membership applications. The Commission's Opinions are based on its assessment in light of three sets of criteria to join the EU: political criteria, economic criteria and the ability of the country to assume the obligations of EU membership (EU acquis).
The European Commission has found that overall, Ukraine is well advanced in reaching the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and respect for and protection of minorities. Furthermore, it has continued its strong macro-economic record, demonstrating a noteworthy resilience with macroeconomic and financial stability. While needing to continue ambitious structural economic reforms, Ukraine 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, to be granted candidate status on the understanding that steps are taken in a number of areas.
With regard to Moldova, the European Commission concluded 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.
On this basis, the Commission recommends that Moldova be given the perspective to become a member of the European Union. It should be granted candidate status on the understanding that steps are taken in a number of areas.
With regard to Georgia, the European Commission assesses that the country 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. Overall, has established a solid basis for further alignment with the EU acquis. However, while Georgia has achieved a good degree of macroeconomic stability and has a sound record of economic policy and a favourable business environment, further reforms are needed to improve the functioning of its market economy.
On this basis, the Commission recommends that Georgia be granted candidate status once a number of priorities have been addressed.
Based on the Commission's Opinions, the EU Member States will now have to decide unanimously on the next steps. The applications for EU membership by Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova in light of the Commission's Opinions will be discussed by Heads of State or Government on June 24 at the next European Council summit.
For more information on the European Commission Opinions on the EU Membership applications: