The European Commission recommends giving Ukraine the status of an EU candidate

The European Commission recommended granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU membership, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

"The European Commission has recommended granting Ukraine the status of a candidate country for joining the European Union," she said at a press conference in Brussels.

At the same time, the EC stressed that Kyiv in the future will need to strengthen the rule of law, justice and the fight against corruption.

The European Commission also took a similar position with respect to Moldova, while Georgia was advised not to grant the status of a candidate for EU membership for the time being.

The final decision on the status of these three countries will be made by the heads of state and government of the EU at the summit in Brussels on June 23-24, taking into account the recommendation of the European Commission.