News Desk: The European Commission recommends that Ukraine be designated a candidate for membership of the European Union – bringing its hopes of joining a step closer.
We're hearing from the commission's President Ursula von der Leyen and will bring you more shortly.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been giving a statement on EU membership applications by Ukraine, as well as Moldova and Georgia.
She says:
Quote Message: We have one clear message – and that is, yes, Ukraine deserves 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 remains to be done. The entire process is merit-based, so it goes by the book and progress depends entirely on Ukraine. So it is Ukraine that has it in its hands.”
We have one clear message – and that is, yes, Ukraine deserves 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 remains to be done. The entire process is merit-based, so it goes by the book and progress depends entirely on Ukraine. So it is Ukraine that has it in its hands.”
