EU leaders have accepted Ukraine and Moldova as candidates to join the bloc, paving the way for accession that is likely to take several years.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted that it was a historic moment and a “good day for Europe”.
“Your countries are part of our European family,” he posted.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said, “I sincerely commend the decision of the EU leaders,” adding that “Ukraine’s future lies within the EU.”
The measure is likely to anger Russia, which has long opposed the prospect of Ukraine joining the EU and getting closer to the West.
Ukraine ran less than a week after being invaded in February and its candidacy has accelerated.
European leaders have approved the measure at a special summit today.
Ms von der Leyen said the decision “strengthens Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, in the face of Russian imperialism. And strengthens the EU.
“Because it proves once again to the world that we are united and strong in the face of external threats.”
Georgia has also taken a step toward joining the union.
European Council President Charles Michel tweeted that he had acknowledged “Georgia’s European perspective and is willing to grant candidate status once the outstanding priorities are addressed”.
“Congratulations to the people of Georgia. A historic moment in EU-Georgia relations: Georgia’s future lies within the EU,” he said.
Candidates must comply with the rules on the state of their economy and the political sphere, including the commitment to the rule of law and other democratic principles.
Ukraine will have to reduce government corruption and enact other reforms.
The three countries “have work to do before moving on to the next stage of the process,” Ms. von der Leyen, adding that he knows “they will move quickly.”
If a country successfully joins the EU, it is protected by a treaty clause that requires other members to help if it is attacked.