European Union leaders granted Ukraine and Moldova the status of candidate member states on Thursday, in a unanimous decision offering an alternative future to Russian domination to the two neighbours on the frontline.
While the prospect of joining the union is still years away and requires a complex process of negotiation and alignment, the step, which was welcomed as a historic one, seemed deeply unlikely just months ago.
“It’s historic,” Taoiseach Micheál Martin said on his arrival at the summit.
“We in Ireland know what being in the European Union means... it’s the 50th anniversary of Ireland’s decision to join the European Union, probably the single most transformative decision and event that happened in modern Irish history.”
Ukrainians mounted a demonstration in favour of membership outside the building as the leaders met, chanting “Ukraine is Europe” as they waved Ukrainian and EU flags.
[ Ukrainians celebrate EU candidate status which is more than ‘a symbolic gesture’Opens in new window ]
The invasion of Ukraine revived the idea of EU enlargement, which had long been stalled due to the opposition of western European member states, as it underscored the geopolitical importance of influence in the region and highlighted the importance of membership to Ukrainians.
“Just a few months ago I was really skeptical that we would reach this position where Ukraine gets candidate status, and I’m very glad that we are there,” Estonian prime minister Kaja Kallas.
The EU stopped short of offering candidate status to Georgia, asking it to fulfill some extra criteria before the step could be taken. This caused some frustration in a country where tens of thousands defied local pro-Russian political elements this week to march in support of EU membership.
There was a tense exchange between EU leaders and the heads of state and government of the western Balkan countries, who have been on a long-slowed track to membership since the aftermath of the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s.
Opposition from Bulgaria prevented accession talks from beginning with North Macedonia. It comes despite the country’s long wait and profound statement of commitment by changing its name to overcome opposition to its membership from Greece. Albania was also blocked, while Kosovo missed out on long-awaited visa liberalisation despite the European Commission deeming it to have met the conditions required.
Intense talks are underway to unblock the political impasse in Bulgaria, where the issue has destabilised the government.
EU officials insisted the union was committed to future membership, seen as strategically vital at a time when Russia is pushing for influence in the region. “We have to give them hope,” Ms Kallas said.
However, frustration at the lack of progress was clearly apparent when Albanian prime minister Edi Rama arrived at the summit.
“You are a mess guys, you are a big mess, you are a disgrace,” he told the television cameras, calling it a “scary show of impotence” that the rest of the EU could not convince Bulgaria to back down.
“North Macedonia is a candidate since 17 years if I have not lost count. Albania since eight. So, welcome to Ukraine, it’s good to give candidate status but I hope the Ukrainian people will not make many illusions about it,” Mr Rama said.
