Ukraine now has a very clear European perspective. However, the path to EU membership will take time and require hard work.

This was stated by the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, during her speech in the Verkhovna Rada via video link, reports Reuters.

"Ukraine now has a very clear European perspective. And Ukraine is a candidate country for accession to the European Union, which seemed almost unimaginable just five months ago," she said.

The head of the European Commission stressed that Ukraine has a long road ahead.

"Europe will be at your side every step of the way, for as long as it takes, from these dark days of war until the moment you step through the door leading to our EU," von der Leyen said, noting that many crucial reforms need to be implemented as soon as possible.

She added that the next steps for EU membership are within reach, but they will require hard work. These include passing a media law, implementing new laws to reduce the excessive influence of oligarchs, and appointing top anti-corruption officials.

People's deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak said that President Volodymyr Zelensky and the EU ambassadors were present at the Rada during the speech of the head of the European Commission.