Europe (Washington Insider Magazine)— In a groundbreaking decision, European leaders have agreed to open European Union membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova and to grant candidate status to Georgia. Announced at a recent summit in Brussels, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky celebrated the decision as a shared “victory” for Ukraine and Europe. EU Council President Charles Michel confirmed that the decision was unanimous, although Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban briefly stepped out during the vote, later criticizing the decision in a video message.
This move follows Ukraine’s and Moldova’s applications to join the EU after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. Moldova’s President Maia Sandu expressed pride in advancing alongside Ukraine, emphasizing the significance of Ukrainian resistance. She called the decision “a new page” for Moldova, adding that Moldovans feel “Europe’s warm embrace.”
While White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan hailed this as a “historic” step for Euro-Atlantic aspirations, EU membership remains a lengthy and challenging process. Candidate nations must pass extensive reforms, addressing justice, corruption, and economic standards. However, the EU’s executive branch has already noted Ukraine’s progress on critical reforms.
The EU decision is a morale boost for Ukraine, now nearly two years into the war with Russia. Ukrainian and Moldovan leaders view this as validation of their European aspirations. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also commended the decision, emphasizing that Ukraine and Moldova belong in “the European family.”
While talks on membership could span years, this step signals the EU’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and Moldova amid ongoing challenges. It comes as both countries face Russian aggression and as Ukraine continues its fight to defend European values.
Elsewhere, the EU aims to begin membership discussions with Bosnia-Herzegovina, once Sarajevo completes required electoral and judicial reforms, adding to a vision of a more integrated and democratic Europe.
