European Union leaders, during a two-day summit in Brussels, surprised observers on Thursday by deciding to commence membership negotiations with Ukraine, as announced by EU Council President Charles Michel. This decision was reached despite Hungary’s earlier vow to block such a move.
Michel stated, “The European Council has decided to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. EUCO (EU Council) granted candidate status to Georgia.”
He added, “The EU will open negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina once the necessary degree of compliance with the membership criteria is reached and has invited the commission to report by March with a view to taking such a decision. A clear signal of hope for their people and for our continent.”