The European Commission believes Ukraine should be granted the status of candidate for European Union membership, the chief of the EU’s executive body, Ursula von der Leyen announced on Friday.
The country would still need to implement some changes to match the EU’s requirements, but it already boasts a “very robust parliamentary, presidential democracy” as well as “a very vibrant and active civil society,” von der Leyen told reporters in Brussels.
Her comments came the day after the regime in Kiev banned two more opposition parties, taking the total to nine.
“Ukraine has clearly demonstrated the country’s aspiration and the country’s determination to live up to European values and standards,” the German official, who was dressed in blue and yellow Ukrainian colors, insisted.
Referring to Kiev’s conflict with Russia, the European Commission head pointed out that “we all know that Ukrainians are ready to die for the European perspective. We want them to live with us, the EU.”
Von der Leyen also praised Ukrainian authorities for keeping the country running despite the ongoing fighting.