The European Committee of the Regions supports the granting of EU candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova

“This important signal of political support will encourage our Ukrainian and Moldovan partners to move forward on the path to democracy, the rule of law and the ability to provide a secure future for their citizens,” the committee said.

“The European Committee of the Regions has actively supported Ukraine in its democratic path. Since 2015, it has provided advice on decentralization reform, which has been one of the most successful steps in strengthening local democracy and the overall resilience of local communities in Ukraine. Our members continue to be united in showing solidarity and helping our Ukrainian partners quickly. EU cities and regions, especially those on the border with Ukraine, have received and continue to receive millions of displaced people. Together we are discussing the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine, “the committee said.

“We are now ready to support the new candidate countries on the path of reform they face, especially in the areas of local democracy, good governance and sustainability,” the statement said.

It has already been reported that the leaders of the EU member states agreed at the summit in Brussels on Thursday to grant the status of a candidate country to Ukraine and Moldova, thus showing solidarity with the Ukrainians in their fight against Russian aggression. However, before the next step, accession negotiations, begins, the two candidate countries face a number of challenges, including strengthening the rule of law and reducing corruption. Kiev made a formal request to join the EU just days after Russia launched its repeated invasion of Ukraine. Moldova also applied shortly afterwards, which also feels threatened.

The Committee of the Regions is an advisory body to the European Union, made up of elected representatives of regional and local authorities from the 27 EU Member States. In the Committee of the Regions, they express their views on EU legislation that directly affects local and regional authorities.

–