Brussels, 1 March 2022 (MIA) – An overwhelming majority of MEPs backed the resolution on granting Ukraine the status of EU candidate country, MIA’s Brussels correspondent reports. The resolution was passed with only 13 votes against and 26 abstentions, while 637 MEPs voted in favor at Tuesday’s EU Parliament extraordinary session. Thus, MEPs send a clear signal to Ukraine, as well as to Russia, that Kyiv has the full support of the only directly elected EU body. A final decision on new members is made by the Council of the European Union, i.e. the EU member states. The countries of Eastern Europe have not been part so far of the enlargement and stabilization and association process. The European Commission will soon need to state its opinion on Ukraine’s future in the EU.