The president expects parliament to pass laws and the government a roadmap for reforms.
Candidate status is a mandatory stage, which took place in most countries before becoming a member of the European Union. At the same time, it is a point of no return in the country's political life, said President Volodymyr Zelensky in an official address to the people by the President, the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada and the Prime Minister following the decision to grant Ukraine candidate status. >
“Candidate status is not just a new step. This is a new peak. Not a new paragraph, not a new page or even a new section. This is a new volume in the history of Ukraine's European integration, which we started writing today. And as of today, this book has no other options but one: Ukraine will become a member of the EU in the future. As of today, it is fixed at the official level, “the president said.
He added that Europe has recognized in its decision that Ukraine is not a bridge, not a pillow between the West and Russia, not a buffer between Europe and Asia, not a sphere influence, not a “gray” zone, not a transit territory, but a future equal partner for at least 27 EU countries.
In turn, the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk stated that the decision of the EU Heads will not change geography will continue to be our neighbor, but it will change history.
“EU candidate status is a recognition of our achievements with you in becoming a mature democratic European society. The strengths of our institutions that continue to work effectively even in times of full-scale war. This is a powerful political message. It will be heard by soldiers in the trenches, and every family that was forced to flee the war abroad, and everyone who helps bring our victory closer, “Stefanchuk said.
The Prime Minister of Ukraine Denis Shmygal noted that the candidate status is new prospects and new opportunities for Ukraine, including access to new EU financial support programs, new projects, new jobs, and support for post-war reconstruction.
< "From now on, our country will not only adopt the European experience, but also be able to influence the formation of sectoral policies of the European Union. From now on, the process of Ukraine's integration into the EU has become irreversible, "he added.
At the same time, the President noted that Ukraine still has a lot of work to do, as the state needs to make changes in legislation and implement EU norms and rules in all spheres of life, and the government must develop an appropriate roadmap.
The Council looks forward to the adoption of European integration laws as a matter of priority. From all of you – high civic consciousness, devotion to our values and awareness that no one will build us a European Ukraine, except us, “- said Zelensky.
“I want to emphasize a very important point. We are changing Ukraine for ourselves, not for someone else. We implement reforms not because of someone's demands, but because of our own beliefs. Ukraine seeks not to join, but to return to the European family. In 2014, the Ukrainian people defended and defended their European future. But I chose it much earlier. Because democracy and democracy existed here more than a thousand years ago.
Today Ukraine is fighting for its freedom. And this war began just when Ukraine declared its right to freedom. At your choice of your future. We saw it in the European Union. …
The path determined by our people, not someone's power. Who chose Independence Square, not Red Square. The path fought by the Granite Revolution in 1991 was the barricades of the Orange Revolution in 2004 and gave life to the Heavenly Hundred during the Revolution of Dignity in 2014, ”the President added.
What conditions must Ukraine meet on its way to the EU and what's next? What awaits our country on the long road to the European Union? Read also in the article by Dmitry Shulga « When Ukraine can become a member of the EU and how not to miss the chance ».
See the special topic: The United States will continue to support Ukraine on the path to reform – Ambassador Brink The US representative congratulated Ukraine on receiving the status of a candidate for EU membership. The Cabinet of Ministers believes that Ukraine may join the EU in 2029 Candidate status should strengthen Kyiv's position in peace talks. Ukraine has become a candidate for EU membership The next steps in joining the EU will be decided after Ukraine fulfills all the conditions. The European Parliament has adopted a resolution in support of granting candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova I am sure we will provide Ukraine's candidate status – Michel on EU membership The President of the European Council called the future decision a historic moment.
