EU Council says it started considering membership bids from Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova - TASS

The EU started a written procedure concerning bids by Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova to join the bloc, the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union said on Twitter on Monday.

"Launch of a written procedure for the Council to validate draft letters seeking the opinion of the EU Commission," the presidency said.

The EU commission has to present an opinion on each of the applications. The 27 current members must then agree to extend the status of candidates to Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, which is required before protracted and complicated talks may start.