RT.com
24 Jun 2022, 05:43 GMT+10
The French president praised the ?political gesture? of offering candidacy to Ukraine and Moldova
Granting Ukraine and Moldova the status of candidate for EU membership is a "political gesture" that sends a "strong signal" to Russia, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday. Even as Kiev and Chisinau celebrated, other EU leaders warned that the status was largely symbolic, with years of reforms and negotiations before actual membership would be in the cards.
The EU's recognition of the "European perspective of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia is a strong signal towards Russia in the current geopolitical context," Macron said at a press conference in Brussels. Granting candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova sends "a very strong message," he added.
"We owe this to the Ukrainian people. They're fighting for our values," Macron said. "From day one of this conflict Europe has been reacting in a quick, historic and united way. Firstly with the sanctions, then macro economic, military and financial support and now by this political gesture."
European Council President Charles Michel also called it "a historic moment" and a "crucial step" on Ukraine and Moldova's path towards the EU.
"27 times yes!" said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, referring to the number of member countries. "Here's to good cooperation in the European family!"
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo also praised the "symbolic message" of the EU's decision, but noted that this doesn't mean Kiev would be joining the bloc anytime soon. That is "a process of many years with a lot of reforms which will be very difficult," he said.
The process of joining the EU consists of 35 chapters, and can be suspended or reversed at any point. EuroNews described it as "lengthy, complex and often tortuous."
The European Commission is demanding Ukraine carry out seven major reforms by the end of the year, including implementing a law "meant to curb the excessive influence of oligarchs in the economy" and "the protection of national minorities" - which presumably could refer to Russian-speakers or ethnic Hungarians in the west of the country.
By becoming candidates, Ukraine and Moldova join Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Turkey in the EU's waiting room. Ankara has been a candidate since 1999. Meanwhile, the former Soviet republic of Georgia was merely given an EU "perspective," with candidacy contingent on further political reforms.
(RT.com)
Get a daily dose of Europe Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Europe Sun.
More InformationDHARAMSHALA, India: The Dalai Lama turned 90 on July 6, celebrated by thousands of followers in the Himalayan town of Dharamshala,...
ZAGREB, Croatia: A massive concert by popular Croatian singer Marko Perković, known by his stage name Thompson, has drawn widespread...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Elon Musk's entry into the political arena is drawing pushback from top U.S. officials and investors, as his decision...
CULVER CITY, California: TikTok is preparing to roll out a separate version of its app for U.S. users, as efforts to secure a sale...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump claimed he was unaware that the term shylock is regarded as antisemitic when he used it in...
PARIS, France: A strike by French air traffic controllers demanding improved working conditions caused significant disruptions during...
OTTAWA, Canada: With Canada Post struggling to maintain operations amid labour unrest, rivals like FedEx and UPS are stepping in to...
NEW YORK, New York - U.S. and global markets showed a mixed performance in Tuesday's trading session, with some indices edging higher...
PARIS, France: French military and intelligence officials have accused China of orchestrating a covert campaign to damage the reputation...
NEW DELHI, India: Birkenstock is stepping up its efforts to protect its iconic sandals in India, as local legal representatives conducted...
HONG KONG: China has fired back at the European Union in an escalating trade dispute by imposing new restrictions on medical device...
NEW YORK, New York - Monday's trading session saw mixed performances across U.S. and global markets, with several major indices posting...