Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the European Union's decision to grant his country's candidate status on Friday. This is an important milestone in joining the block. Moldova has also been granted the status of a candidate for membership.
EU officials explained that the move was historic, but warned that both countries would need to undergo rigorous reforms before becoming full members.
Historical
In a joint television message to the Ukrainian people, Zelensky, adjacent to the Prime Minister and Parliamentary Chairman, made the EU's decision another historic moment. Said that in the history of Ukraine, the process is irreversible.
"Today Ukraine is fighting for freedom. This war began when Ukraine declared its right to freedom and chose their future," Zelensky said. .. "We saw [the future] in the European Union."
Ukrainian Speaker Ruslan Stephanchuk called this decision a powerful political message. "It will be heard by trench soldiers, all families forced to escape war abroad, and everyone who helps us approach our victory," he said.
Reform
EU leaders warned that the road to full membership of Ukraine and Moldova will not be easy ..
After the decision, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen mentioned the political and governmental reforms needed before continuing the process, "before moving on to the next stage of the accession process. , All countries have to do their homework. "
On Thursday, Von der Leyen said that Ukraine and Moldova "act as quickly as possible to implement the necessary reforms, not just because they need to move forward with European accession, but possible. I will do my best. " But first and foremost, these reforms are good for the nations.
These reforms are difficult and time-consuming, said Andi Hoxhaj, an analyst who is a Fellow of European Union Law at the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom.
"It is to strengthen the rule of law and the judicial system. In addition, they want to see the track record of applying anti-oligarch law, that is, they eradicate corruption and become independent. We want to strengthen the system, "Hokushaji told VOA.
Border Uncertainty
For now, Ukraine is focused on repelling Russia's invasion in the east. The outcome of the war may also determine the EU's verdict for Ukrainian membership.
"Can they accept a big power like Ukraine? Still, they will have a lot of problems with borders," Hoxhaj said. Supports Georgia's EU aspirations in Tbilisi, Georgia, June 16, 2022.
Shattered Hope
Pay attention to other former Soviet Union countries joining the EU. Georgia's desire to join Ukraine and Moldova was shattered as the EU demanded further reforms before granting national candidacy. Instead, Brock said he officially acknowledged Georgia's "European perspective."
Nevertheless, Georgian President Salomezrabichbili said it was an incredible historic step. Has been a candidate for 17 years, but Bulgaria has hampered its progress in the debate over ethnicity and language. This feud also undermines Albania's desire to move forward towards EU accession.
Bulgarian lawmakers resolved to end the vote on Friday, but with certain conditions that may still be rejected by North Macedonia or the EU.
EU'Short-sight'
Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo also join the EU, but Bulgaria was unable to offer a candidacy due to the political crisis. Arton Demhasaj, head of Kosovo's wake-up anti-corruption watchdog, said the EU's position is short-sighted. Participation in the EU faces delays, they turn their policies, and d then Russia and China become more influential in the western Balkans, causing problems within the EU. Dem Hasaji told Reuters.
I agree with Hoxhaj of the University of Warwick.
"Bosnia, like Kosovo, was preventing them from moving forward, so it should have been given the status of a candidate long ago," Hokushaji said. "But it also allows Russia to have some influence in the Western Balkans, especially Serbia and Bosnia."
Kremlin reaction
Russia does not pose a threat to Ukraine's EU candidacy, but Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said He accused the West of seeking war.
"When World War II was about to begin, Hitler gathered most of the European nations under his flag. Now the EU and NATO are fighting, and generally We are gathering the same modern coalition because of the war with the Russian Federation, "Labrov said during his visit to Azerbaijan on Friday.
NATO and the EU have not called for a war with Russia and have stated that Moscow has blamed decades of peace for its provocative invasion of Ukraine.