European Council President Charles Michel described the EU’s decision to open membership talks with Ukraine as a “signal of hope for their people and for our continent”. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy celebrated the decision as a “victory” for his country and for all of Europe. The announcement was made at a summit of the 27 EU countries, where Moldova was also granted formal membership negotiations.
The decision was hailed as a strategic and historic move by European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. European leaders also advanced EU bids for Georgia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who had previously opposed Ukraine’s membership talks, was not present during the vote. He had vowed to block the deal and called the decision “irrational” and “inappropriate”.
Despite Hungary’s opposition, the EU’s decision stands as a significant step for Ukraine and Moldova, as they continue their path toward EU membership. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal acknowledged the challenges ahead, while expressing unity and readiness for the journey.
The road to EU membership for Ukraine and Moldova will be a long one, but the EU’s decision marks a crucial step forward. If Ukraine were to become an EU member while the war with Russia is ongoing, EU countries would be obliged to provide assistance and respect Ukraine’s membership. This decision also has implications for security, migration, and defense, particularly in relation to Russia and Belarus.