The European Commission, based in Brussels, has recommended opening accession negotiations with Ukraine, taking Kyiv one step closer to its strategic goal of EU membership.
The recommendation comes amid Ukraine’s ongoing struggle against Russia’s invasion since February 2022.
The European Commission stated that the EU Council should initiate accession talks with Ukraine once the country fulfills the remaining conditions related to combating corruption, adopting lobbying laws in line with EU standards, and strengthening national minority safeguards.
This recommendation represents a significant milestone in Ukraine’s journey toward Western integration, offering geopolitical implications for the EU given the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The decision on whether to accept the Commission’s recommendation will be made by EU leaders at a summit scheduled for December.
In addition to Ukraine, the European Commission also recommended opening negotiations with Moldova, Ukraine’s neighbor, and granting candidate status to Georgia once certain conditions are met.
The Commission proposed initiating membership talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina when it achieves the required degree of compliance with membership criteria.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the historical significance of completing the European Union and highlighted the economic and geopolitical benefits of past enlargements.
The Commission’s recommendations reflect a commitment to the integration and expansion of the EU.
