The European Council granted Ukraine candidate status for EU membership. This decision was unanimously supported by all EU leaders during the summit in Brussels on June 23.

"I sincerely welcome the EU leaders' decision to grant Ukraine candidate status. This is a unique and historic moment in relations between Ukraine and the EU," said President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky. "Thank you to European Council President Charles Michel, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and the leaders of EU member states for their support. The future of Ukraine — in the EU!"

We remind that the Ukrainian Football Association and national teams participating in official tournaments and playing friendly matches are supporting Ukraine's application to join the EU!

Thematic patches on uniforms, team exits with EU flags, and players' appeals to fans and the entire European community calling for support in granting our country membership in the EU — these are contributions of the UAF to the Embrace Ukraine campaign, or "Ukraine is Europe!"

"Ukraine has officially received candidate status for EU membership! A historic event, and we are proud that our football family contributed to its realization," said President of the Ukrainian Football Association and UEFA Executive Committee member Andriy Pavelko. "The Ukrainian Football Association, national teams, and the best fans in the world have been conveying a simple truth to European partners at all levels every day: Ukraine has defended Europe from Russian military aggression for eight years, paid an enormous price to preserve freedom, human rights, and democracy in Europe, thus earning full membership in the EU. But the main guarantor of this success is the bravery of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, who repel the occupiers every day! It is thanks to them that President Volodymyr Zelensky's Embrace Ukraine campaign ended with a positive decision at the EU summit!"