The EU managed to open accession talks with Ukraine on Thursday (14 December) regardless of Hungary’s opposition — a choice celebrated by Kyiv and deemed a ”historic second”.
”It is a victory for Ukraine. A victory for all of Europe. A victory that motivates, evokes, and strengthens,” Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky stated, reacting to the information popping out of the EU summit in Brussels.
EU fee Ursula von der Leyen described the choice as ”strategic” and as an necessary day within the historical past of Europe, whereas EU Council president Charles Michel informed reporters that this was ”a really highly effective political sign” for Ukraine.
For his half, Orbán stated that beginning accession negotiations with Ukraine was ”a foul resolution”, and clarified: ”Hungary didn’t take part within the resolution.”
In reality, the choice was taken by the opposite 26 member states within the room, as Orbán left when enlargement conversations began.
The settlement, which was rapidly introduced after a number of hours of discussions through the EU summit, got here as a shock for a lot of who had anticipated lengthy, drawn-out discussions — particularly on condition that the enlargement selections require unanimity.
The conclusions on Ukraine have been ”not blocked by any member states,” stated an EU official.
Orbán’s momentary absence was pre-agreed forward of the vote, and in response to EU diplomats, it’s legally attainable to take action — and it may be learn as an abstention.
EU heads of state and authorities additionally greenlighted launching talks with Moldova and granting candidate standing to Georgia.
”Moldova turns a brand new web page as we speak with the EU’s go-ahead for accession talks,” stated Moldova’s president Maia Sandu.
They agreed to open negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina as soon as sufficient progress on the necessities has been achieved. They may reverse to this challenge later in 2024.
”Historic day! Towards all odds, we achieved a choice to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova,” stated Estonian prime minister Kaja Kallas.
Equally, End prime minister Petteri Orpo described it as ”a historic second”.
”Necessary resolution … Clear sign that your [Ukraine and Moldova] future is within the EU,” stated Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson.
Zelensky’s plea: ’do not betray’
A number of hours earlier than the deal was reached, Orbán acknowledged that the accession course of isn’t a merely theoretical challenge, arguing that earlier situations wanted to be met to provoke the formal talks with Ukraine.
”Enlargement is a merit-based, legally-detailed course of, which has preconditions … there isn’t a cause to barter membership of Ukraine now. Even to not negotiate” the Hungarian PM informed reporters at his arrival to the summit.
Simply this morning, Zelensky known as on the member states to make a political resolution, following the reforms they’ve completed within the final months to develop into a member of the EU.
”At this time is the day when dedication will both be in Brussels or Moscow,” Zelensky informed EU leaders forward of the dialogue from Norway, the place he’s discussing army assist for Ukraine.
”Don’t betray the folks and their religion in Europe,” he added. ”You all realised that now isn’t the time for half-measures or hesitation. And it is crucial that Europe does not fall again into indecision as we speak.”
Final November, the European Fee really helpful the EU leaders opening accession talks with Kyiv, as 90 p.c of the mandatory reforms have been already accomplished.
Zelensky spoke a couple of clear schedule for the EU.
First, there’s a non-binding political resolution, and in March 2024, the fee is anticipated to tell leaders about progress made on the listed suggestions for Ukraine and Moldova.
”This course of may be very lengthy, there are phases that require unanimity, and others not,” an EU diplomat stated, referring to the truth that Hungary could have one other risk to veto the choice subsequent 12 months.