Ukraine and Moldova became candidates for EU membership in a fast-track procedure

The European Union has agreed Ukraine a chance to join in a move that could pull the nation further from Russia’s grip.

The embattled country is applying for EU membership less than a week after Vladimir Putin launched his February 24 invasion.

The decision by the heads of state and government of the 27-strong bloc today to grant candidate status came unusually quickly for the EU.

But the war and Ukraine’s call for an expedited process prompted leaders to meet in Brussels to move forward.

The EU also granted candidate status to Moldova, which borders Ukraine. Despite the importance of the move, actual membership could still be years or even decades to come.

Countries must meet a detailed set of economic and political conditions, including a commitment to the rule of law and other democratic principles.

Ukraine must curb government corruption and adopt other reforms if it wants to join.

The war-torn nation’s leader, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, hailed the decision as a “unique and historic moment”.

He has spent the last few months strengthening ties with the EU while asking for further support against Russia’s aggression.

The move is not without risk for the EU. After all, there is war in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Moldova’s conflict over the Russian-backed breakaway region of Transnistria has been at a stalemate since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

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