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With the unanimous vote of the leaders of the 27 member countries of the European Union, this Thursday Ukraine and Moldova formally became candidates to join the European Union. In the Ukrainian case, this is a process that aims to distance the country from the influence of Russia after four months of the beginning of the armed conflict initiated by Moscow.
During a summit in Brussels, the representatives of the 27 nations gave the unanimous approval needed for applicant countries to gain candidate status, which has given the green light to candidacies not only from Ukraine, but also from Moldova. Georgia has been left out, alleging that it still needs to carry out some important reforms such as showing political unity as well as involving civil society.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, during a press conference declared that these reforms are positive for countries and for democracy, because they strengthen competitiveness and ultimately, they are good for citizens.
“Let me emphasize that I am deeply convinced that the decision we have taken today strengthens us all. It strengthens Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia in the face of Russian aggression, and it strengthens the European Union because it once again shows the world that we are united and we are strong against external threats”.
Despite Moldova’s candidacy, Ukraine captured all the media attention. Now, in order for the country to fully enter the bloc, it must have several political and economic conditions, in addition to adopting some democratic principles established by the EU.
“Of course. All countries have to do their homework before moving on to the next stage of the accession process. But I am convinced that they will all move as quickly as possible and work hard to implement the necessary reforms,” said the Commission president. European.
President of Ukraine welcomed the decision
Ukraine then begins the long road to becoming a member of the bloc, after submitting its request a few days after the start of what Russia called a “special military operation”, an action that led to an unusually fast community decision.
Being a candidate does not give immediate security guarantees or the automatic right to join, however, Ukrainian President Volodímir Zelenski has celebrated the decision, asserting that it is a victory for his country, expected during the 120 days of war and 30 years of his independence.
“We will defeat the enemy and rest. Or maybe we will rebuild Ukraine first and rest later. Maybe we will even win, rebuild, join the EU and then rest… Or maybe we won’t rest because the children will be offended, but we will definitely win.”
One of the main benefits sought with Ukraine’s integration into the bloc is that once a country gains membership, it is protected by the other members if it is the target of any armed aggression. In addition, the new member will be able to fully participate in the economic market that integrates 450 million citizens, with free movement of labor, goods, services and capital.
One of the conditions that Russia had imposed to stop the war actions in Ukraine was that it not be allowed to join NATO, an organization that refused to offer an invitation to the beleaguered country for three main reasons: deficiencies in the defense system, disputed borders and allegations of government corruption. But faced with the possibility of Ukraine becoming part of the European Union, Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted it without objection, asserting that it is not a military pact.
With information from Reuters and AP
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