The European Parliament has backed a resolution in favor of granting Ukraine EU candidate status, according to the European Parliament’s press service.
529 deputies voted in favor, 45 against and 14 abstained.
In a resolution, the European Parliament called on the Heads of State and Government to convene a summit on 23-24 June to grant Ukraine and Moldova “EU” candidate status “immediately”. They should do the same with Georgia “when its government meets” the criteria set by the European Commission.
In that context, the move would be tantamount to a show of leadership and determination, MEPs say. They insist that there is no “fast track” to EU membership and that membership remains a structured and meritocratic process that requires membership criteria and depends on the effective implementation of reforms.
The European Parliament believes that EU leaders must justify their historic responsibility and send a clear political message to Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, reaffirming their European perspective.
This is the status of the candidate for membership in the European Union.
Decisions on granting EU candidate status to Ukraine will be taken by EU leaders at a regular summit in Brussels on 23-24 June. A draft final statement of the EU summit is evidenced by a copy of the document held by Radio Liberty.
European Commission 17 June to the European Union.
source: radio svoboda
