Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Igor Zhovkva, emphasizes that the European Commission's decision to grant Ukraine candidate status is only the first practical step towards EU membership.

Zhovkva stressed that the European Commission backed Ukraine's EU candidacy in less than four months after Ukraine's application.

"Ursula von der Leyen notes that Ukraine has clearly demonstrated its commitment to live up to European values and standards. She stresses that Ukraine has already implemented 70% of the EU acquis. Of course, there are also recommendations on how to improve the country’s judiciary and rule of law, as well as the establishment of anti-corruption bodies. But, as the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky noted, these reforms needs, first of all, Ukraine itself," Igor Zhovkva shared it on his Facebook.

The decision of the European Commission signals that Ukraine will always belong to the European community, despite the efforts of the aggressor to destroy our state and its European aspirations, thinks Zhovkva.

He added, "we understand all challenges that Ukraine is facing on its way to the EU."

"But everything will depend on the joint efforts of Ukraine and the EU. And today we should not relax. We continue to work and look forward to the decision of the European Council next week," Zhovkva wrote.

President Zelensky believes that the European Commission's proposal on the EU candidate status will help Ukraine win the war sooner.

On June 17, the European Commission recommended to Council confirming Ukraine perspective to become member of the EU.

Based on the European Commission's Opinions, the EU Member States will now have to decide unanimously on the next steps at the next European Council on 23 and 24 June.