At the EU Summit in Brussels, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova were given permission to start EU accession talks, after last year they had obtained EU candidate status. In turn, Georgia was given EU candidate status, while Bosnia will start accession talks in March, provided the European Commission’s report is positive. Hungary was the only country that vetoed the start of negotiations with Ukraine, although prime Minister Viktor Orban did not cast his vote. Ukraine is the first country to receive candidate status and start accession talks in times of war, and the decision is aimed at encouraging Kyiv. Thanking European leaders, president Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the decision as a victory for Ukraine and the entire Europe, a victory that motivates, inspires and gives strength. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said it was „a historic day”, adding that „the feeling is overwhelming, all that has not been in vain”. In turn, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said the decision comes in recognition of reforms carried out in recent years, warning however there is still a long road ahead. As regards Chișinău, Moldova’s European track has in recent years been marked by voters oscillating between pro-Russian and pro-European parties. In 2014 Moldova signed the EU Association Agreement. Following the European Council’s decision this Thursday, president Maia Sandu said the success belong to the entire Moldovan society, to all those who support democracy and prosperity and work hard and patiently, who express their votes, marched for freedom and never stopped believing Moldova deserves more. In turn, Moldova’s Prime Minister Dorin Recean wrote in a message that the historic decision taken by the European Council is the result of efforts made by all citizens in recent years. The Moldovan Prime Minister gave assurances that Moldova knows that needs to be done and is committed to continue reforms in order to soon join the European family. „Today’s decision is a historic moment for the Republic of Moldova, marking the most important step in our efforts to join the great EU family”, Moldovan Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu also said. Attending the meeting in Brussels, Romania’s president Klaus Iohannis also spoke of a historic day that follows remarkable progress reported by Kyiv and Chișinău in terms of reforms recommended by the European Commission.
„Moldova should clearly continue on the path to reforms, perhaps at a greater speed, so that negotiations should get well underway and produce results that eventually lead to European integration. We are here to support you. Be brave, implement the reforms and we’ll move forward together”.
In turn, Romania’s Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu also congratulated the two states, giving assurances that Romania remains a firm supporter of the two countries in the accession talks. (Daniela Budu, Radio Romania International)
