Matti Maasikas, the EU ambassador to Ukraine, said the EU flag had been brought to Parliament’s plenary room “to stay” – a claim reflecting confidence in the candidate status awarded by the parliament last week. block was granted, will be converted to membership.
Footage of the ceremony sparked an emotional response on social media, with those following the course of Moscow’s war against Ukraine saying recent developments show Moscow will not stop Kiev’s “EU aspirations”.
On Twitter, a user under the handle @am_polak said: “This is a beautiful thing and is proof of the indomitable spirit of Ukrainians, and how Russia will not defeat them or their EU aspirations.”
Jan Bilek wrote: “I am an EU citizen and this is humiliating.
“I feel I need to do more for the EU so that Ukrainians are not disappointed when they join.”
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Charlotte Goodall said: “The EU is honored and strengthened by Ukraine.
“You fight for everything we hold dear.”
Antonio wrote: “The most beautiful thing I’ve seen today.”
And one eclectic user added: “Welcome, welcome! Together we are stronger.”
The process for Ukraine to formally join the 27-nation bloc began last week and while it is expected to take years to join, Kiev now has a “very clear European perspective,” said European Commission President Ursula. von der Leyen.
The EU chief listed a series of urgent measures that the Union expected Ukraine to take. These include the passing of a media law, the implementation of new rules that reduce the excessive influence of oligarchs and the appointment of top anti-corruption officials.
Ms von der Leyen said: “You have created an impressive anti-corruption machine.
“But now these institutions need teeth, and the right people in higher positions.
“The next steps are within reach. But they will work hard.”
Throughout the process and as the conflict continues, the European Commission boss added, the bloc will remain with Kiev.
She said: “There is a long way to go, but Europe will be by your side every step of the way, as long as it takes, from these dark days of war to the moment you cross the door leading to our European Union.”
President Zelensky, who urged lawmakers to implement the required measures, said his country should quickly become an EU member state.
He told Parliament: “Our path to membership should not take decades.
“We have to traverse this path as soon as possible. It depends on us.”