- EU initiates talks with Moldova, Ukraine
- Hungary abstains, no veto
- Positive step for Ukraine
European leaders have agreed to initiate EU membership negotiations with Moldova and Ukraine and designate Georgia as a candidate.
The decision, reached during a summit in Brussels, was lauded by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “a victory” for his nation and Europe.
A spokesperson for the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, stated that the agreement was unanimous.
Although Hungary has long opposed initiating talks with Kyiv, it did not veto the initiative.
Officials described Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s brief exit from the room as intended and constructive while the remaining 26 leaders continued with the vote.
Following this, he distanced himself from his peers via a Facebook video message: “Ukraine’s membership in the European Union is a poor choice. “Because Hungary does not wish to participate in this poor decision, it abstained from voting today.”
Mr. Zelensky expressed his delight at the EU’s declaration: “This signifies a triumph for Ukraine—an empire-wide triumph for Europe. “A triumph that inspires, motivates, and fortifies,” he declared on X.
Moldova and Ukraine submitted applications to join the European Union in February 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In June of last year, authorities granted candidate status to both, while Georgia was not under consideration at that time.
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Moldova’s Gratitude and EU Enthusiasm
President Maia Sandu of Moldova remarked that traveling the path to EU membership alongside Ukraine was a privilege. “We wouldn’t be here today without Ukraine’s brave resistance against Russia’s brutal invasion,” the author stated.
Moldova warned earlier this year that Russia intended to assume power in Chisinau. Ms. Sandu congratulated her compatriots on “an award for all of society, among those who choose democracy and prosperity.” She stated that Moldovans were now experiencing the “warm embrace” of Europe.
National Security Adviser at the White House Jake Sullivan hailed the European Union’s “historic” decision to initiate accession discussions with Moldova and Ukraine, describing it as a “critical step towards them realizing their Euro-Atlantic ambitions.”
Thursday’s decision does not ensure Ukraine’s membership in the European Union, as membership negotiations can take years.
Individuals in Ukraine know the arduous road to full membership; nevertheless, this Brussels decision will boost morale.
EU candidate countries must implement a series of reforms to meet standards spanning the economy to the rule of law. However, Kyiv has already received acclaim from the EU’s executive for accomplishing over 90% of the measures implemented thus far in justice and combating corruption.
Olaf Scholz, chancellor of Germany, lauded his counterparts for exhibiting a “resolute demonstration of solidarity,” further asserting that Ukraine and Moldova were inextricably linked to “the European family.”
According to a diplomat at the summit, Mr. Scholz proposed that Mr. Orban vacate the room so that the vote could proceed.
Following nearly 22 months of Russia’s war and an ongoing struggle to secure Western military and financial aid, this was much-needed positive news for Ukraine.
Impactful Developments in Ukraine
It was a historic occasion, according to Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, and an “important message of hope” for the people of Moldova and Ukraine.
Mr. Zelensky embarked on a visit to the United States earlier this week in an unsuccessful endeavor to convince Republican lawmakers to approve $61 billion in military financing, which the US Congress had blocked.
At the onset of winter, the Ukrainian counteroffensive against the occupying force from Russia stopped.
President Vladimir Putin ridiculed Ukraine and asserted that Western support was dwindling earlier on Thursday: “Pardon my profanity, but everything is being provided at no cost. However, those gifts may eventually run out.
However, President Zelensky can now at least use this political victory as evidence that its allies are staying in Ukraine consistently.
According to the President of the European Council, it sent a “very strong message… to the Ukrainian people that we are on their side.”
Many in Kyiv are adamant that their future lies as an active and influential member of the European Union, and they perceive their resistance to the Russian invasion as a defense of European values.
The 2014 “Revolution of Dignity” in Ukraine, which resulted in the removal of its pro-Kremlin President, was motivated by a desire to shift its political orbit away from Russia and towards Europe.
In response, President Putin dispatched troops into Crimea and eastern Ukraine, followed by a significantly broader incursion in 2022.
Georgia’s EU Aspirations and Regional Challenges
The EU referendum was also a “monumental milestone” for Georgia, which was invaded by Russia in 2008, according to pro-EU President Salome Zurabishvili.
Georgia’s government maintains a complex relationship with Moscow and has abstained from imposing sanctions on Russia since the commencement of its invasion of Ukraine despite the country’s predominantly pro-EU populace.
When asked whether President Putin intended to repeat what he had done to Ukraine, pro-Putin Russian lawmaker and television presenter Yevgeny Popov replied, “We have no intention of doing so.”
“We have sufficient territory,” he declared. “As the largest nation on earth, we do not need any additional territories.” Nevertheless, security guarantees are sufficient.”
Mr. Michel stated on Thursday that the EU meant to initiate membership negotiations with Bosnia-Herzegovina once the country fulfilled the requirements. A year ago, Bosnia was granted candidate status. However, a progress report published last month outlined additional measures Sarajevo must undertake regarding judicial and electoral reforms.
In addition, the chief of the majority Serb region of Bosnia, Republika Srpska, has issued a secession threat against the country.
