EU agrees Ukraine accession talks as Orban leaves room

EU fee Ursula von der Leyen described the choice as “strategic” and as an vital day within the historical past of Europe, whereas EU Council president Charles Michel advised reporters that this was “a really highly effective political sign” for Ukraine.

For his half, Orbán mentioned that beginning accession negotiations with Ukraine was “a foul determination”, and clarified: “Hungary didn’t take part within the determination.”

In reality, the choice was taken by the opposite 26 member states within the room, as Orbán left when enlargement conversations began.

The settlement, which was rapidly introduced after a couple of hours of discussions through the EU summit, got here as a shock for a lot of who had anticipated lengthy, drawn-out discussions — particularly on condition that the enlargement selections require unanimity.

The conclusions on Ukraine have been “not blocked by any member states,” mentioned an EU official.

Orbán’s momentary absence was pre-agreed forward of the vote, and in keeping with EU diplomats, it’s legally potential to take action — and it may be learn as an abstention.

EU heads of state and authorities additionally greenlighted launching talks with Moldova and granting candidate standing to Georgia.

“Moldova turns a brand new web page at the moment with the EU’s go-ahead for accession talks,” mentioned Moldova’s president Maia Sandu.

They agreed to open negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina as soon as sufficient progress on the necessities has been achieved. They are going to reverse to this concern later in 2024.

“Historic day! In opposition to all odds, we achieved a choice to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova,” mentioned Estonian prime minister Kaja Kallas.

Equally, End prime minister Petteri Orpo described it as “a historic second”.

“Necessary determination … Clear sign that your [Ukraine and Moldova] future is within the EU,” mentioned Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson.

Zelensky’s plea: ‘do not betray’

Just a few hours earlier than the deal was reached, Orbán acknowledged that the accession course of just isn’t a merely theoretical concern, arguing that earlier circumstances wanted to be met to provoke the formal talks with Ukraine.

“Enlargement is a merit-based, legally-detailed course of, which has preconditions … there isn’t any purpose to barter membership of Ukraine now. Even to not negotiate” the Hungarian PM advised reporters at his arrival to the summit.

Simply this morning, Zelensky known as on the member states to make a political determination, following the reforms they’ve achieved within the final months to turn into a member of the EU.

“​At present is the day when dedication will both be in Brussels or Moscow,” Zelensky advised EU leaders forward of the dialogue from Norway, the place he’s discussing navy help for Ukraine.

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“Don’t betray the folks and their religion in Europe,” he added. “You all realised that now just isn’t the time for half-measures or hesitation. ​And it is essential that Europe would not fall again into indecision at the moment.”

Final November, the European Fee advisable the EU leaders opening accession talks with Kyiv, as 90 p.c of the mandatory reforms have been already performed.

Zelensky spoke a few clear schedule for the EU.

First, there’s a non-binding political determination, and in March 2024, the fee is anticipated to tell leaders about progress made on the listed suggestions for Ukraine and Moldova.

“This course of could be very lengthy, there are phases that require unanimity, and others not,” an EU diplomat mentioned, referring to the truth that Hungary might have one other risk to veto the choice subsequent 12 months.