EU recommends 'candidate status' for Ukraine

The European Commission on Friday recommended war-torn Ukraine be formally named a "candidate" for joining the EU, a move that could open up a years-long path towards joining the bloc.

"Yes, Ukraine should be welcomed as a candidate country -- this is based on the understanding that good work has been done but important work also remains to be done," Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU's executive arm, said. 

"We all know that Ukrainians are ready to die for the European perspective. We want them to live with us for the European dream," von der Leyen said, dressed in the yellow and blue colours of Ukraine. 

The EU's 27 member states have to give the green light to grant Ukraine "candidate status" and leaders are set to discuss it at a summit in Brussels next week. 

Opening the door to Ukraine is seen as a hugely symbolic moment by Kyiv as it seeks to cement its place within Europe in the face of Russia's invasion.  

The leaders of the three EU powerhouses, France, Germany and Italy, on Thursday threw their weight behind Ukraine's bid on a visit to Kyiv. 

Von der Leyen announced the commission also recommended granting candidate status for Moldova, Ukraine's ex-Soviet neighbour, but held off on taking the same step on Georgia.