The European Council has taken the historical decision to start negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union. This news was reported by the Chairman of the Council Charles Michelle in his official address on X (former Twitter). Also, EU leaders made a similar decision on Moldova and decided to start negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina if the preconditions were fulfilled.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated this decision and called it "victory for Ukraine and all Europe". He expressed the belief that this victory "motivates, inspires and adds strength."
The President of the European Parliament Robert Motzola noted that this decision testifies to the unity and effectiveness of the EU. "We have a window window, and we either keep it open, or if we close it, lose these opportunities," she noted.
According to preliminary estimates of sources in Brussels, the probability of a positive solution was only 30%, since an important obstacle was considered to be the position of Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban. However, despite its reserve, negotiations were supported.
Ukraine received the status of a candidate for EU membership in June 2022. President Zelensky noted that Ukraine has fulfilled all the recommendations and tried to avoid blocking by other countries.
Another key point during the summit was the approval of the EU 50 billion aid for Ukraine for the next four years. Now the technical stage of preparation for negotiations begins, and the European Commission will begin preparation of their technical aspects. The official start of negotiations means that Ukraine has maintained all the necessary conditions to transform its status as a candidate into EU members into a practical process.
