European leaders grant Ukraine and Moldova EU candidate status

European leaders grant Ukraine and Moldova EU candidate status European Union leaders have formally accepted Ukraine as a candidate to join the 27-nation bloc, a bold geopolitical move hailed by Ukraine and the EU itself as a "historic moment". Key points: - Moldova was also granted EU candidate status with Ukraine - The decision kick-starts the EU's most ambitious expansion since it welcomed former Soviet states - While the EU started as an organisation of six countries, it has grown to embrace 27 nations Although it could take Ukraine and neighbouring Moldova more than a decade to qualify for membership, the decision at a two-day EU summit is a symbolic step that signals the bloc's intention to reach deep into the former Soviet Union. "Ukraine will prevail. Europe will prevail. …
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