Ukraine and Moldova should start the process of becoming EU members, the European Commission said Wednesday — but the two countries must do more to speed up their reforms in key areas.

The EU granted Ukraine candidate status last year and the recommendation that it begin formal negotiations on accession paves the way for the country, which is still fighting off Russian President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion, to become a member of the bloc.

The next step is for EU leaders to back the Commission’s plan at a summit in Brussels in December.