Estonia welcomes EU's Moldova, Ukraine candidate status decision

The flags of Ukraine, the EU, Sweden, Finland and Estonia in Tallinn.
The flags of Ukraine, the EU, Sweden, Finland and Estonia in Tallinn. Source: Siim Lõvi /ERR

President Alar Karis and Prime Minister Kaja Kallas (Reform) praised the European Commission's recommendation to grant Ukraine and Moldova EU candidate status on Friday.

"Ukraine & Moldova belong to European family & we want them to live the European dream," Karis wrote on social media after the announcement.

"Europe isn't just geography. It's a set of values and Ukraine is fighting for them. Let's use the momentum. Ukraine needs hope and our support," Kallas said, adding she also welcomed the decision on Moldova.

Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Andres Sutt (Reform) called the decision a "landmark event" and one the countries and Estonia have "long expected".

"The war in Ukraine is not only between Ukraine and Russia, it is between different value spaces. Ukraine has demonstrated clearly that it belongs in the family of European Union member states and Estonia will do everything it can to make sure they do become a member state," he said, adding he will take this message with him to the EU foreign ministers' meeting next week.

"We are ready to share our experiences and help with reforms," Sutt said.

On Friday, the European Commission recommended that Ukraine and Moldova be given candidate status to become members of the European Union on the condition they carry out reforms.

Georgia's application, submitted in March, was also accessed but it was only granted a membership perspective, rather than candidate status.

Next week the commission's decision will be discussed by the European Council who will either accept or reject it.

Estonia has been a strong supporter of Ukraine's accession to the European Union.

--

Follow ERR News on Facebook and Twitter and never miss an update!

Editor: Helen Wright

Hea lugeja, näeme et kasutate vanemat brauseri versiooni või vähelevinud brauserit.

Parema ja terviklikuma kasutajakogemuse tagamiseks soovitame alla laadida uusim versioon mõnest meie toetatud brauserist: