Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia’s perspective to become members of the EU

Today, the European Commission presented its Opinions on the application for EU membership submitted by Ukraine, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova as invited by the Council.

Today’s Opinions are based on the Commission’s assessment in light of the three sets of criteria to join the EU agreed by the European Council: political criteria, economic criteria and the ability of the country to assume the obligations of EU membership (EU acquis). The Opinions also take into account Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia’s efforts in implementing their obligations under the Association Agreements (AA), including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas (DCFTA), which cover significant parts of the EU acquis.

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The European Commission has found that Ukraine overall is well advanced in reaching the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities; has continued its strong macro-economic record, demonstrating a noteworthy resilience with macroeconomic and financial stability, while needing to continue ambitious structural economic reforms; and has gradually approximated to substantial elements of the EU acquis in many areas.

On this basis, the Commission recommends that Ukraine be given the perspective to become a member of the European Union. It should be granted candidate status on the understanding that steps are taken in a number of areas.

As regards Moldova, the European Commission concludes that the country has a solid foundation in place to reach the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities; macroeconomic policies have been reasonably sound and progress has been made in strengthening the financial sector and business environment but key economic reforms remain to be undertaken; the country has established a solid basis to further alignment with the EU acquis.

On this basis, the Commission recommends that Moldova be given the perspective to become a member of the European Union. It should be granted candidate status on the understanding that steps are taken in a number of areas.

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The European Commission assesses that Georgia has a foundation in place to reach the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities, even if recent developments have undermined the country’s progress; it has achieved a good degree of macroeconomic stability and has a sound record of economic policy and a favourable business environment, but further reforms are needed to improve the functioning of its market economy; and overall, Georgia has established a solid basis for further alignment with the EU acquis.

On this basis, the Commission recommends that Georgia be given the perspective to become a member of the European Union. It should be granted candidate status once a number of priorities have been addressed.

Background

On 28 February 2022, Ukraine presented its application for EU membership.

On 3 March 2022, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova presented their applications for EU membership.

On 7 March, the Council of the European Union invited the Commission to submit its Opinions on these applications. Ukraine received the part of the questionnaire on the political and economic criteria on 8 April 2022 and the part on the EU acquis on 13 April. Ukraine provided its replies on 17 April and on 9 May respectively. Georgia and Moldova received the first part of the questionnaire on the political and economic criteria on 11 April 2022 and the part on the EU acquis on 19 April. Moldova provided its replies on 22 April and 12 May. Georgia provided its replies on 2 and 10 May.

More Information

European Commission – Press release

Georgia: Opinion; Memo;

Moldova: Opinion; Memo;

Ukraine: Opinion; Memo;