Ukraine moves a step closer to joining European Union

GBNews24 Desk//

Ukraine has moved a step closer to joining the European Union.

The European Commission on Friday recommended that the war-ravaged country become a candidate to join the bloc — albeit on the understanding that it carries out a number of important reforms.

The opinion from the commission, the executive arm of the EU, comes ahead of high-level discussions in Brussels, Belgium about Ukraine’s potential membership.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Ukraine should be welcome as a candidate country — referring to a legal term that means a nation has officially started an accession path to full membership.

Wearing a yellow blazer over a blue shirt to represent Ukraine’s colors, von der Leyen said at a press conference that the commission had one clear message for Kyiv. “And that is, yes, Ukraine deserves [the] European perspective. Yes, Ukraine should be welcomed as a candidate country.”

“This is on the understanding that good work has been done, but important work also remains to be done,” von der Leyen said.

She added that the entire process was “merit based.”

“So it goes by the book, and therefore progress depends entirely on Ukraine. It is Ukraine that has it in their hands and what could be better to shape your own future,” she said.