News
Ukraine one step closer to EU membership
By ECCT staff writers, Europa
The European Commission presented its opinions on the application for EU membership submitted by Ukraine, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova and recommended that all three countries be candidate status on the understanding that steps are taken in a number of areas.
According to a news press release on the EU’s official website, Europa, the opinions are based on the commission's assessment in light of the three sets of criteria to join the EU agreed by the European Council: political criteria, economic criteria and the ability of the country to assume the obligations of EU membership (EU acquis). The opinions also take into account Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia's efforts in implementing their obligations under the Association Agreements (AA), including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas (DCFTA), which cover significant parts of the EU acquis.
According to the press release the European Commission has found that Ukraine overall is well advanced in reaching the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities; has continued its strong macro-economic record, demonstrating a noteworthy resilience with macroeconomic and financial stability, while needing to continue ambitious structural economic reforms; and has gradually approximated to substantial elements of the EU acquis in many areas. On this basis, the commission recommended that Ukraine be given the perspective to become a member of the European Union. It should be granted candidate status on the understanding that steps are taken in a number of areas.
As regards Moldova, the European Commission concluded that the country has a solid foundation in place to reach the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities; macroeconomic policies have been reasonably sound and progress has been made in strengthening the financial sector and business environment but key economic reforms remain to be undertaken; the country has established a solid basis to further alignment with the EU acquis. On this basis, the commission recommended that Moldova be given the perspective to become a member of the European Union. It should be granted candidate status on the understanding that steps are taken in a number of areas.
The European Commission assesses that Georgia has a foundation in place to reach the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities, even if recent developments have undermined the country's progress; it has achieved a good degree of macroeconomic stability and has a sound record of economic policy and a favourable business environment, but further reforms are needed to improve the functioning of its market economy; and overall, Georgia has established a solid basis for further alignment with the EU acquis. On this basis, the Commission recommended that Georgia be given the perspective to become a member of the European Union. It should be granted candidate status once a number of priorities have been addressed.
Based on the European Commission's opinions, EU member states will now have to decide unanimously on the next steps. The applications for EU membership by Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova in light of the commission's opinions will be discussed at the next European Council on 23 and 24 June. In the meantime, the EU remains committed to continue to further strengthen ties and deepen their partnership to support Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, in line with its Association Agreements and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas.
