EU Begins Membership Review for Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The European Union (EU) will officially review the membership applications of Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova.

Charles Michel, President of the European Council, announced this on Twitter on the 7th (local time). This follows requests from member state ambassadors to the EU Commission to provide opinions on the membership applications of these three countries after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

President Michel stated, "The EU's solidarity, friendship, and unprecedented support for Ukraine remain unchanged," adding, "We continue to maintain close contact with Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine."

Following Ukraine's application on the 28th of last month, Georgia and Moldova, neighboring countries of Ukraine from the former Soviet bloc, submitted their membership applications to the EU on the 3rd. They hastened their applications amid concerns that they could be Russia's next targets.

However, it is realistically difficult for the three countries to become formal EU members immediately, as the process involves lengthy and complex procedures.

Even if the EU grants candidate status to Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova, unanimous approval from all 27 member states is required for formal membership, and comprehensive reforms must be implemented to meet the political and economic criteria set by these states.

Some EU diplomats have predicted that, due to these reasons, the EU might pursue a form of privileged partnership with the three countries.

The U.S. political media outlet Politico evaluated, "This move is merely a technical step but holds symbolic value."

After Ukraine submitted its application, eight Central and Eastern European member states, including Poland, issued a statement of solidarity, and the European Parliament adopted a resolution reflecting this stance, which is unusual considering the EU's previous reluctance to expand.

Politico explained, "In the past, the EU was cautious about expansion due to concerns from existing member states like France and the Netherlands, and because new members such as Bulgaria and Romania were engaged in a 'fight against corruption,' making the EU hesitant to increase its membership."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.