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Commission Set To Recommend Ukraine Gains Candidate Status-Wires

EU

Wires reporting that in a widely-expected decision, the European Commission has officially recommended Ukraine be granted EU candidate status. The announcement comes after the leaders of the three largest EU economies, France, Italy, and Germany, visited Kyiv yesterday and announced their support for Ukraine being allowed onto the path of EU membership.

  • At 1200CET (0600ET, 1100BST) Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to deliver a readout of the College of Commissioners meeting in which the decision was taken. Link to livestream here: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/ebs/live/1
  • This is only the first step on the lengthy path to EU membership, which involves a strict set of 'Maastricht criteria' regarding the state of the Ukrainian economy, its efforts to root out corruption, and the strength of its political institutions. Nevertheless, the signal to Moscow will be clear that an independent Ukraine is only going to become more closely entwined with the West over the coming years.
  • Decision also being taken on Moldova and Georgia's application for candidate status. Moldova's application seen as likely to be accepted, but less assurance on Georgia.

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