The High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell said that “history has been made. With European Council decision to grant EU candidate status, Moldova embarks on the path towards its future in the EU. Moldova belongs to the EU family and we will support our partner on every step of our common path.”

The official said the obtaining of the candidate status is a truly historical day for the European Union and Moldova. “The country has been given the opportunity in the future to become a member of the European Union – a community that is a symbol of peace, security and prosperity on our continent,” the official posted in social media, noting that they will not spare the effort to help Moldova to get where it historically belongs.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday said she was convinced that Ukraine and Moldova will move as swiftly as possible to implement necessary reforms.

“There can be no better sign of hope for the citizens of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia in these troubled times,” she told reporters on the sidelines of an EU summit in Brussels after both countries were granted EU candidate status, adding that they still had to do homework.

“I am deeply convinced that our decision that we have taken today strengthens us all. It strengthens Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia in the face of Russian aggression,” she said.

“And it strengthens the European Union because it shows once again to the world that the European Union is united and strong in the face of external threats.”

Moldova’s application for EU membership, signed by President Maia Sandu, Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița and Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu, was submitted on March 3 this year.