European Parliament Presidium Makes Statement on Candidate Status for Ukraine

The Presidium of the European Parliament called on the EU heads of state and government to decide on the applications for membership of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. Not for all three countries this call turned out to be the same. The Presidium of the European Parliament called on the heads of state and government of EU countries “to decide on the applications of Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia to join the European Union” at its summit on June 23-24. It is said in the joint statement of the factions’ chairmen, adopted by the Presidium of the European Parliament on Thursday, June 9. The presidium includes Speaker Roberta Metsola and the presidents of all the factions. “The European Union must demonstrate courage, determination and vision in today’s context of a brutal war of aggression against our European neighbor Ukraine,” the statement said. The document stressed that the EU must be a reliable partner, showing solidarity with those who stand for the same ideals as it does. “The citizens of Ukraine aspire to live in a free, democratic and prosperous country that is a proud and loyal member of the European family. We recognize that these aspirations are shared by the peoples of Georgia and Moldova, as well as the countries of the Western Balkans, whose expectations should not continue to be neglected,” asserted the Presidency of the European Parliament. Insistent call for candidate status “We therefore urge you to grant candidate status to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova under Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union and as the beginning of a merit-based process. And to work on granting the same status to Georgia in order to satisfy the legitimate aspirations of the Georgian people as well,” the statement read. The day before, the European Parliament passed a resolution calling for Ukraine to be granted candidate status for EU membership referring to the European aspirations of Moldova and Georgia. DW