Media: European Commision will grant candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova, but will reject Georgia

In its opinion on granting the status of a candidate for EU membership, the European Commission will recommend it for Ukraine and Moldova, putting forward additional requirements for the latter, and Georgia will refuse.

This was reported by the Dutch newspaper NOS with reference to a "reliable source".

It is noted that in its conclusion the European Commission will recommend Ukraine's candidate status, but with the conditions for the start of accession negotiations – in particular, the rule of law and the fight against corruption.

"It seems that this intermediate step is a curtsey towards countries such as the Netherlands, which believe that Ukraine is far from ready for candidate status," the newspaper said.

At the same time, granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU membership is a political signal that the majority of member states want to send to Kyiv, adds NOS. Candidate status will also be recommended for Moldova, but more requirements will be made for it to start accession talks.

As for Georgia, the European Commission will recommend not to grant the country such status until the "long list of requirements" is met. Leaders of key EU countries have reportedly decided to grant Ukraine candidate status without additional conditions, but then to lay down conditions for reforms at all subsequent stages.