EU grants Ukraine candidate status in 'historic moment'
(VOVWORLD) - Ukraine became a candidate to join the European Union on Thursday, a bold geopolitical step Brussels hailed as an "historic moment"." Moldova also became an official candidate on Thursday.
 A general view of the main meeting room where European Union leaders gather for a summit, in Brussels, Belgium June 23, 2022. (Photo: REUTERS) |
"A historic moment," European Council chief Charles Michel tweeted, adding: "Our future is together."
Diplomats say it will take Ukraine a decade or more to meet the criteria for joining the EU.
But European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she was convinced that Ukraine and Moldova will move as swiftly as possible to implement necessary reforms.