The European Union executive will recommend on Wednesday that the bloc opens membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova once they meet outstanding conditions, two EU officials said on Monday, Reuters reported, being quoted by IPN.

Both officials - one who saw a draft report by the European Commission ahead of its publication and one who is familiar with its contents - said the recommendations meant formal negotiations with Kyiv and Chisinau could start next year.

They added the Commission’s enlargement report - which will also cover progress towards membership by other EU hopefuls - was still to be finalized before official publication.

At the beginning of October, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the opening of membership negotiations with the Republic of Moldova.