Watch as the EU flag arrives at the Ukrainian parliament

The flag of the European Union was dropped at the Ukrainian parliament on Friday morning, every week after EU leaders determined to grant Ukraine the standing of candidate nation to hitch the bloc.

Because the blue flag of 12 gold stars entered the chamber, lawmakers stood up, clapped and took footage, celebrating the symbolic and extremely emotional second for the war-torn nation.

The particular parliamentary session featured interventions from Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy and European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen.

“A brand new historical past of Ukraine and the European Union has begun. We at the moment are not subsequent to one another, however collectively. Not two neighbours between which there are borders and boundaries, however one European household that has frequent values and a standard future,” Zelenskyy stated.

“Gaining membership within the European Union isn’t solely geopolitics or the realisation of political aspirations. These are particular issues, particular benefits that profit the life of each individual, each firm, each state establishment.”

Zelenskyy recounted the flurry of negotiations, conferences and cellphone calls that passed off within the 115 days between the submission of the EU utility, launched simply days after Russia invaded Ukraine, and the ultimate endorsement finally week’s European Council.

The president additionally stated the presence of the EU flag within the parliament shouldn’t be solely “a gorgeous gesture” but in addition a reminder of the duty that lies forward for “all branches of presidency.”

The European Fee has put ahead seven key reforms that Ukraine wants to hold out earlier than the tip of the yr. The checklist contains the appointment of judges for the Constitutional Courtroom, the struggle in opposition to corruption and cash laundering, the safety of nationwide minorities and the implementation of a regulation meant to curb the extreme affect of oligarchs within the economic system.

‘A victory of willpower and resolve’

In a speech delivered remotely, President von der Leyen praised the “tenacity” and “ardour” of the Ukrainian folks, who saved the parliament open “even within the darkest days,” and emphasised the necessity for reforms.

“After all, reforms all the time take time. That’s how all our democracies work. They want fixed dedication and dedication,” the Fee chief stated.

“And as an example, nobody expects Ukraine to fill in all posts in your new establishments whereas so lots of your finest and brightest are preventing on the entrance. However Ukraine’s democracy should be saved heading in the right direction.”

Von der Leyen additionally highlighted the nice strides the nation has made because the 2014 Maidan revolution, a chapter that decisively shifted Ukraine in direction of the West and prompted Russian President Vladimir Putin to illegally annex Crimea.

“Ukraine now has a transparent European perspective and it’s candidate to hitch the European Union. One thing that appeared nearly unimaginable simply 5 months in the past,” von der Leyen stated.

“At present is initially a second to have a good time this historic milestone. A victory of willpower and resolve. And a victory for the entire motion that began eight years in the past on the Maidan.”

On the finish of von der Leyen’s speech, Ruslan Stefanchuk, chair of the parliament, often known as the Verkhovna Rada, requested the nationwide guard of Ukraine to convey the EU flag into the chamber.

“The Verkhovna Rada deserves the EU flag each in color and in that means,” Stefanchuk said.

Matti Maasikas, the EU Ambassador to Ukraine, described the second as “transferring to tears.”

Formally a candidate nation, Ukraine now enters the lengthy, arduous and sophisticated of EU accession, a course of that may take a number of years and even many years.

The Fee will report back to EU international locations by the tip of the yr on the progress made by Ukraine within the adoption of reforms. Leaders will use this data to determine the following step, which might embody a extra detailed roadmap on open formal negotiations.

All main steps in enlargement coverage require the unanimous approval of all member states.

“There’s a lengthy highway forward however Europe will likely be at your facet each step of the best way, for so long as it takes,” von der Leyen famous in her speech. “From these darkish days of conflict till the second you cross the door that leads into our European Union.”