From a story on axios.com by Ivana Saric headlined “European Union grants candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova”:

European Union leaders granted EU candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova on Thursday as they assembled in Brussels for a two-day European Council summit.

Why it matters: The move, which required the unanimous consent of all EU members, is the first step in what could be a long process towards full EU membership. But it is a symbolic victory for Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia.

• The EU’s executive arm endorsed Ukraine for candidate status last week after the leaders of France, Germany and Italy also expressed their support.