(Read full article on Euronews.com)

Moldova has formally asked to join the European Union, a week after Russia invaded Ukraine.

“Today we sign the application for the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union. It is addressed to Emmanuel Macron, President of France, the country that today holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. We will submit the application in the coming days in Brussels,” President Maia Sandu said in a statement.

“The Republic of Moldova must have a clear European path. We are ready to do everything possible to achieve this fundamental national goal,” she added

It comes 24 hours after another former Soviet country — Georgia — requested membership of the 27-member bloc.

Ukraine, meanwhile, has asked to be rapidly accepted into the union, but doubts remain over whether all EU countries would back enlargement.