Zelenskyy hails ‘victory’ as EU agrees to open membership talks for Ukraine | European Union Information

European Council President Charles Michel says settlement a ‘sign of hope for his or her folks and for our continent’.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has hailed a “victory” for Ukraine and the European continent after European Union leaders agreed to open membership talks together with his nation regardless of months of opposition from Hungary about Kyiv becoming a member of.

The choice was introduced on Thursday at a summit of the 27 EU nations, at which the bloc additionally agreed to open formal membership negotiations with Moldova.

European Council President Charles Michel, host of the summit, introduced the settlement in a social media submit, calling it “a transparent sign of hope for his or her folks and for our continent”.

Zelenskyy welcomed the choice as “a victory for Ukraine. A victory for all of Europe. A victory that motivates, evokes, and strengthens,” he mentioned in a submit on X.

European Fee chief Ursula von der Leyen mentioned it was “a strategic resolution and a day that may stay engraved within the historical past of our union”.

“These nations belong to the European household,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz mentioned.

Michel mentioned the summit granted EU candidate standing to Georgia and would additionally advance an EU bid by one other hopeful – Bosnia and Herzegovina – as soon as it reaches “the mandatory diploma of compliance” with standards.

Hungary not within the summit room

EU diplomats mentioned Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orban, was not within the summit room for the vote on Ukraine however knew and agreed different leaders would vote in his absence. For weeks, Orban had promised to dam the deal, which on Thursday he referred to as a “dangerous resolution”.

“Hungary’s stance is evident: Ukraine isn’t ready for us to start out talks on EU membership,” he mentioned, calling the choice “irrational” and “inappropriate”.

Hungary’s chief had gone into the summit additionally promising to disclaim Kyiv 50 billion euros ($54bn) in monetary assist that the federal government desperately wants to remain afloat throughout its warfare with Russia.

“Twenty-six member states have been adamant that this resolution should be made, so Hungary determined that if 26 determine so, they need to go on their very own path and Hungary doesn’t want to take part on this dangerous resolution,” Orban mentioned.

The EU, whose members nonetheless cherish their independence on strategic and overseas affairs points, usually works by consensus.

Negotiations proceed on the help for Ukraine, Orban mentioned.

Earlier this week, Zelenskyy travelled to the US, the place he lobbied for extra American assist, however his request faces massive hurdles in passing the US Congress.

Some EU leaders had warned earlier within the day that not agreeing to start out negotiations with Ukraine would have been seen as a victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Ukraine launched its bid to turn into a part of the EU after Moscow’s invasion in February 2022 and was formally named a candidate to affix in June that yr.

Fellow former Soviet republic and neighbour Moldova had utilized similtaneously Ukraine.

The warfare in Ukraine has breathed new life into the EU’s stalled push to tackle new members because the bloc appears to be like to maintain Russian and Chinese language affect at bay.

In June 2022, the European Fee set Kyiv seven reform benchmarks to finish, together with tackling corruption and curbing the ability of its oligarchs, earlier than talks ought to begin.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal mentioned the EU’s resolution on Thursday confirmed that it “extremely appreciated the reforms we’ve made lately and the implementation of all of the suggestions of the European Fee”.

“A tough path lies forward. We’re united and prepared,” he mentioned.

The talks themselves are more likely to take years.

EU treaties oblige members to assist “by all means of their energy” one other EU nation that’s sufferer of armed aggression on its territory. If Ukraine turns into an EU member whereas the warfare with Russia is ongoing, EU nations must respect that.

The EU would additionally purchase an extended new border with Russia and Belarus with implications for safety, migration and defence.