Brussels, 2 March 2022 (TDI): EU has recognized the application of Ukraine for candidacy to join the European Union (EU). In this regard, the European Parliament voted on Tuesday in favor of making Ukraine a member of the union.

The European Parliament is one of the legislative branches of the EU. Earlier, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy had filed an application to join the EU via fast-track admittance.

The fast-track admittance process was opted for in the wake of the Russian assault. Since 2021, tensions between Russia and Ukraine had been on the rise as both held different stances.

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February and being part of the EU would allow certain privileges to the country. Ukrainians will be able to move freely between the other 27 member nations.

As a result, the membership will help hundreds of thousands of people fleeing the country. Nevertheless, the vote in favor of Ukrainian membership will not instantly make it a member. Though the process will be initiated.

Typically, joining the EU is a long process. This is because an aspiring country has to meet the “Copenhagen criteria.” The Copenhagen criteria are a set of rules that define the eligibility of joining the European Union.

What are Copenhagen criteria?

The Copenhagen criteria require the stability of institutions that guarantee democracy, human rights, the rule of law, along with the respect for and protection of minorities.

It requires the existence of a functioning market economy as well as the capacity to cope with competitive pressure and market forces within the EU.

In addition, the criteria require the ability to take on the obligations of membership. These obligations include adherence to the aims of political unification as well as the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).

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