The European Council on Thursday 23 June granted Ukraine and Moldova the status of candidate countries for accession to the EU, the President of the European Council Charles Michel announced a short while ago.

“Agreement. The European Council has just decided EU candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova. A historic moment. Today marks a crucial step on your path towards the EU. Congratulations Volodimir Zelensky and Maia Sandu, and to the people of Ukraine and Moldova. Our future is together.” tweeted the President of the European Council.

Earlier the same day, Thursday 23 June, MEPs voted on a resolution calling on the European Council to grant candidate status to Moldova and Ukraine for accession to the European Union. The announcement was made by Romanian MEP Siegfried Muresan, who said the resolution was approved by 529 votes.

“529 votes for Moldova and Ukraine now in the European Parliament. We have just voted by a very large majority on the Parliament’s resolution calling for the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine to be granted candidate status for accession to the European Union. The result of the vote shows that there is no longer any opposition to the Republic of Moldova in the European Parliament. Full support”, reads the message of the Romanian MEP.

On June 17, the European Commission, at the request of the Council, presented its opinions on the application for EU membership submitted by Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia. In the subsequently formulated opinion, the EC noted that Moldova is a European state committed to respecting and promoting the values on which the EU is founded. The Commission therefore recommended that the Council grant Moldova the perspective of membership of the European Union.

Candidate status comes with responsibility. There is a list of measures that Moldova must fulfil after obtaining it.

In its opinions recommending that Moldova be granted candidate country status, the European Commission also sent the European Council a list of measures to be taken by Moldova once it has been granted candidate status.

1. Complete the essential steps of the recently launched comprehensive reform of the judicial system in all institutions in the justice and prosecution chains to ensure their independence, integrity, efficiency, accountability and transparency, including through the effective use of asset verification and effective democratic oversight. In particular, to fill all remaining vacancies in the Superior Council of the Magistracy.
   
2. In all these areas, address the shortcomings identified by the OSCE/ODIHR and the Council of Europe/Venice Commission.

3. Fulfill the commitment to fight corruption at all levels by taking decisive action for proactive and effective investigations and a credible track record of prosecutions and convictions.
   
4. Implement the commitment to “de-linking”, by eliminating the influence of vested interests in economic, political and public life.

5. Strengthen the fight against organised crime, based on detailed threat assessments, increased cooperation with regional, EU and international partners and better coordination of law enforcement bodies; in particular, implement a legislative package on asset recovery and a comprehensive framework for the fight against financial crime and money laundering. Ensure that anti-money laundering legislation is in line with Financial Action Task Force standards.
   
6. Increase capacity to deliver reforms and quality public services, including by stepping up implementation of public administration reform; assess and update the public administration reform strategy.
   
7. Complete public financial management reform, including improving public procurement at all levels of government.
   
8. Increase civil society involvement in decision-making processes at all levels.
   
9. Strengthen the protection of human rights, in particular of vulnerable groups, and uphold its commitments to enhance gender equality and fight violence against women.