The European Parliament has now voted to give Ukraine candidate status in the EU.

[highplainsdem]

Link to tweet

Editing to link to an article that explains that the complete process of joining the EU typically takes years, but the move to candidate status so quickly is still good for Ukraine:


https://www.thejournal.ie/eu-membership-for-ukraine-5697336-Mar2022/

[SallyHemmings]

1. Fantastic!

[Lovie777]

2. And what are the advantages when it comes to what's happening now? . ..

[herding cats]

4. I believe one is they'd have access to funds to rebuild as a formal EU candidate

I'm not sure what else it would entitle them to, but I'm sure there is more benefits.

[SheltieLover]

5. Legitimizes the nation for one thing

Poot's head will explode.

[OMGWTF]

15. THIS! THIS! THIS!

[SheltieLover]

17. Yup!

[muriel_volestrangler]

14. This let's the EU Council know there's a general feeling they ought to have candidate status

so it makes it more likely they'll gain that sometime soon, when the member governments decide to vote on it.

Here's what the parliament voted for - their wish for candidate status is #34: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/B-9-2022-0123_EN.html

The vote doesn't change anything now, apart from formally expressing solidarity with Ukraine, and formally condemning Russia's actions; this is about the future years. Maybe "strongly regrets Serbia’s non-alignment with EU sanctions against Russia, which damages its EU accession process, and reiterates its expectation that EU accession candidates align not only with the EU acquis but also with the EU’s common foreign and security policy" indicates Serbia's going to have a tougher time now joining the EU - the parliament has to OK that eventual accession.

[SheltieLover]

3. Does this mean they are a member?

[highplainsdem]

6. Not a full member yet. See the article I just edited the OP to link to.

[SheltieLover]

9. Ty!

[herding cats]

7. No, not yet.

It's a lengthy process and many metrics must be met first, but this is a needed first step.

[SheltieLover]

10. Thx!

[dalton99a]

8. No. Turkey has been a candidate since 1999

[SheltieLover]

11. ...

Wth?

[muriel_volestrangler]

13. Which part shocked you - that they became a candidate at all, or that it has been stalled

for years? Erdoğan was their Prime Minister from 2003 to 2014, and then became President. Given his attitude, it's not surprising that the candidacy stalled.

[monkeyman1]

20. there holding that up for a reason ! humanitarian reason's !

[Goonch]

12. Albania, the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey are candidate countries.

Negotiations are held with each candidate country to determine their ability to apply EU legislation (acquis) and examine their possible request for transition periods.

[lagomorph777]

16. Putrid's not gonna like this one bit.

And he can go fuck himself sideways.

[SheltieLover]

18. Lol

No he won't like this.

[lagomorph777]

19. Heh!

[Paper Roses]

21. Status? They need help and support NOW!

This is a terrible emergency. Every country that is able should send support immediately, not just think about it., including the EU.. These brave people need to be helped without delay. Political rightness be damned. Send help and more than verbal support.

[Evolve Dammit]

22. x1000!

[AlexSFCA]

23. it gives hope to Ukrainian people which they need in times like these.

[AntiFascist]

24. Top down approach...

UN and the Hague begin prosecution of war crimes.

EU begins to move on candidate status for Ukraine.

NATO should approve more weapons and....?