Ukraine will become an official candidate for the European Union on Thursday in a symbolic decision but boosting morale after the invasion of Russia, ministers and diplomats said on Tuesday.
EU leaders in Brussels are expected to approve last week’s recommendation of the European Commission, the EU executive. After several days of internal discussions in the EU, no opposition has emerged between the 27 member states, three diplomats told Reuters.
“We are working to the point where we (Russian President Vladimir) tell Putin that Ukraine belongs to Europe, that we will also defend the values that Ukraine defends,” Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn told reporters. before a meeting with other EU ministers.
Diplomats said that Moldova will also almost certainly have candidate status, although Georgia must meet conditions, that is, to overcome the political stalemate in the country.
Despite some suspicions among northern EU countries that accepting Ukraine, which suffers from endemic corruption, is unrealistic, the Danish foreign minister said he was grateful to be given the status of a candidate.
“It’s very good and it’s something that Denmark wholeheartedly supports; we want to help Ukraine achieve its European dream,” Jeppe Kofod told reporters in Luxembourg.