Today, the European Commission presented its Opinions on the application for EU membership submitted by Ukraine, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova as invited by the Council.
Today's 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.
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 recommends 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
concludes 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 recommends 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 recommends 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.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said: “Ukraine,
Moldova and Georgia share the strong and legitimate aspiration of
joining the European Union. Today, we are sending them a clear signal of
support in their aspirations, even as they face challenging
circumstances. And we do so standing firm on our European values and
standards, setting out the path they need to follow in order to join the
EU. The Commission's opinions mark an inflection point in our
relations. Indeed, this is a historic day for the people of Ukraine,
Moldova and Georgia. We are confirming that they
belong, in due time, in the European Union. The next steps are now in
the hands of our Member States.”
European Commission
© European Commission
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