The European Commission has recommended starting discussions on Ukraine and Moldova joining the European Union, announced today, a spokesman for the Commission after a briefing of the EU's permanent representatives in Brussels on the progress achieved by both sides, BTA reports.
Ukraine and Moldova have met the necessary criteria to move forward. Ukraine passed legislation aimed at strengthening the fight against corruption and improving the rights of minorities. Meanwhile, Moldova has fulfilled the requirements to ensure the independence of justice and to fight money laundering, the EC spokesman said.
The European Council has the final say on starting the negotiation process. He must give the green light to the negotiating framework, which will mark a key moment for both Ukraine and Moldova on their path to EU membership.