The move has to be adopted unanimously, and Hungary — with a state oil company dependent on Russian imports and a populist leader friendlier toward Putin than most — has refused to go along.
It was seen as a way for Russia to prop up its currency and retaliate for Western sanctions, but it could cause global energy prices to spike. One analyst sees it as a warning to the rest of Europe.
One of Europe's poorest countries, Moldova has a separatist region that hosts 1,500 Russian troops. Since the Ukraine war, Moldova's applied to join the EU, even as it keeps a policy of neutrality.
The European Union is seeking China's assurances that it won't assist Russia in circumventing economic sanctions for invading Ukraine and cooperation on ending the war at today's virtual meeting.
As Russia's war in Ukraine grinds through its fourth week, President Vladimir Putin's greatest accomplishment so far may be one he never intended: a unified Europe.
During a summit in France, European Union leaders issued a statement backing Ukraine's bid for membership but stopped short of an immediate welcome. The application process typically takes years.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has applied for Ukraine to join the European Union, after appealing to its leaders for immediate entry. Gaining membership is a complex process.
