EU agrees Ukraine accession talks as Orban leaves room

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

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

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 shortly 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 provided that the enlargement selections require unanimity.

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

Orbán’s momentary absence was pre-agreed forward of the vote, and in keeping with EU diplomats, it’s legally doable 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 this time with the EU’s go-ahead for accession talks,” stated 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’ll reverse to this problem later in 2024.

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

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

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

Zelensky’s plea: ‘do not betray’

A couple of hours earlier than the deal was reached, Orbán acknowledged that the accession course of isn’t a merely theoretical problem, 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 is no such thing as a purpose to barter membership of Ukraine now. Even to not negotiate” the Hungarian PM instructed reporters at his arrival to the summit.

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

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

Join EUobserver’s day by day e-newsletter

All of the tales we publish, despatched at 7.30 AM.

By signing up, you conform to our Phrases of Use and Privateness Coverage.

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

Final November, the European Fee really helpful the EU leaders opening accession talks with Kyiv, as 90 % of the required reforms had been already carried out.

Zelensky spoke a few clear schedule for the EU.

First, there’s a non-binding political resolution, 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 stated, referring to the truth that Hungary might have one other risk to veto the choice subsequent 12 months.