Political

Moldova, Ukraine step closer to EU: Accession talks begin

The European Union took a significant step towards expanding its borders today, launching accession negotiations with Moldova and Ukraine, and granting candidate country status to Georgia.

President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, celebrated the news with a video message alongside Moldovan President Maia Sandu. In Romanian, she declared, "Europe is Moldova. Moldova is Europe," echoing the sentiment of unity and progress in the region.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the decision as "strategic" and a "day that will remain engraved in the history of our Union." She emphasised the EU's commitment to fulfilling its promises and expressed joy for its "friends and partners."

The decision comes swiftly after Moldova and Ukraine received candidate status in June 2022, a record pace reflecting the urgency of strengthening partnerships in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The EU has provided significant financial assistance to Moldova throughout this critical period, assisting the country in navigating the crisis.

Both the European Parliament and the European Commission had previously recommended initiating accession talks with Moldova. This positive response from EU institutions underlines the country's progress towards meeting the requirements for membership.

While Moldova and Ukraine have embarked on the path towards EU membership, other aspiring nations also saw progress today. Georgia, having fulfilled the necessary criteria, was granted candidate country status, paving the way for future accession negotiations. Additionally, Bosnia and Herzegovina, upon a positive assessment from the European Commission in March, will be eligible to begin its own EU journey.

Translation by Iurie Tataru

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