European Union leaders decided on Thursday to begin accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.
During a summit in Brussels, heads of state and government also granted Georgia the status of candidate country, having previously been denied such title.
“It’s a very powerful political signal, it’s a very powerful political decision,” Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, told reporters.
“And today and tonight I think, to the people of Ukraine, we are on their side and this decision made by member states is extremely important for the credibility of the European Union.”
“This is a victory for Ukraine. A victory for all of Europe. A victory that motivates, inspires, and strengthens,” wrote Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who delivered a video message during the summit urging leaders to make a positive decision.
“Moldova turns a new page today with the EU’s go-ahead for accession talks. We’re feeling Europe’s warm embrace today. Thank you for your support and faith in our journey,” said Moldovan President Maia Sandu.
Romanian President who is a staunch supporter of EU expansion congratulated Ukraine and Moldova, calling it a “historic outcome.”
“I am very optimistic that things will go well, Moldova and Ukraine made huge efforts to get good results and these results were honored” by the European Council.
Thursday’s breakthrough, achieved during a summit of leaders in Brussels, came amid Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s veto threats. He eventually abstained.
The approval represents a geopolitical victory for Kyiv, which is struggling in its complicated counteroffensive against invading Russian troops.
In the days leading up to the meeting, Orbán has questioned Ukraine’s readiness to start negotiations and the Commission’s credibility as an impartial arbiter.
Ukraine and Moldova were declared candidate countries in July last year and Ukraine was given seven reforms as a precondition to start the talks.
Brussels has said there is still work to be done, but is sufficient to take the process to the next stage, something the Hungarian premier disagreed with.
The news from Brussels quickly prompted a succession of social media posts celebrating what many leaders described as a “historic day.”
“History is made by those who don’t get tired of fighting for freedom,” Zelensky said.
Meanwhile, Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission and one of Kyiv’s staunchest supporters, hailed “a strategic decision and a day that will remain engraved” in the bloc’s history.
Ahead of difficult summit, EU’s Michel seeks to reassure Ukraine, Moldova
