EU leaders have accepted Ukraine and Moldova as membership candidates for the bloc, opening a path to membership that is likely to take a number of years.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted it was a historic moment and a “good day for Europe”.
“Your countries are part of our European family,” she posted.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy tweeted: “Sincerely commend the decision of the EU leaders”, saying it shows “the future of Ukraine lies within the EU”.
The move is likely to anger Russia, which opposes the prospect of Ukraine joining and becoming closer to the West.
Ukraine submitted its application less than a week after being invaded in February, and its candidacy has been fast-tracked.
European leaders approved the move at a special summit in Brussels.
Ms. von der Leyen said the decision “strengthens Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, in the face of Russian imperialism. And it strengthens the EU. Because it shows once again to the world that we are united. connected and strong in the face of external threats.”
Moldova’s president, Maia Sandu, also hailed a historic moment for her country, which shares a border with Ukraine.
She said there is a “tough road ahead” but it offers “more prosperity, more opportunity and more order”.
Georgia has also taken a step towards joining the EU.
European Council President Charles Michel tweeted that they recognized “Europe’s position on Georgia and are ready to grant candidate status when outstanding priorities are addressed”.
“Congratulations to the people of Georgia. A historic moment in EU-Georgian relations: Georgia’s future lies within the EU,” he said.
Candidates must meet criteria for the state of their economy and political sector, including a commitment to the rule of law and other democratic principles.
Ukraine will have to cut government corruption and enact other reforms.
It is not clear how long this process will take. For example, Turkey obtained candidate status in 1999 but its application was stalled by various disputes.
Ms von der Leyen said all three countries “have work to do before moving on to the next stage of the process”, adding that she knew “they will move quickly”.
If a country joins the EU, that country is protected by a treaty provision that requires other members to help if it is attacked.
Ukraine also wants to join NATO, which is separate from the European Union, but that is now a distant prospect and President Putin has demanded that the country never be allowed to become a member of the military alliance.
