EU decides to start Ukraine accession negotiations

EU Commences Ukraine and Moldova Membership Talks: A Controversial Decision

The European Union (EU) has initiated membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, as revealed by EU Council President Charles Michel, sparking debates among European nations. Coincidentally, Georgia was granted the status of an EU accession candidate, as declared by Michel in Brussels.

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• The EU's move to commence membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova was met with varying opinions in several European nations, primarily due to the ongoing conflicts in these regions.
• At the EU summit in Brussels, Michel underscored the importance of resolving conflicts in Ukraine and Moldova, emphasizing that EU membership could foster peace and stability in the region.
• While the EU's decision to engage in membership negotiations with Moldova and Ukraine was welcomed by many, skeptics argue that it would be more prudent to address the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia first before pursuing EU integration.
• Addressing additional issues, such as the climate crisis and Islamist terror threats, dominated discussions during the EU summit in Brussels, reflecting the multi-faceted challenges facing Europe.

The Factors Influencing EU's Decision

• Candidate Status: Both Ukraine and Moldova obtained candidate status from the European Council on June 23, 2022, pursuant to their applications in March 2022.
• Rule of Law and Governance: The European Council made the start of accession negotiations contingent on addressing key areas pertaining to strengthening the rule of law, tackling corruption, and enhancing governance processes.
• Commission Recommendations: The European Commission advised the European Council to initiate membership negotiations with Moldova and Ukraine on November 8, 2023. This recommendation was approved by the European Council on December 14, 2023.

The Timeline of EU's Decision

1. Commencement of Negotiations:
2. December 14, 2023: The European Council decided to launch accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.
3. June 21, 2024: The European Union agreed to start membership negotiations with Ukraine.
4. June 25, 2024: Membership negotiations were formally initiated for both Ukraine and Moldova.

Conflicts and Diverse Opinions

1. Russian Invasion of Ukraine: The Russian invasion in February 2022 accelerated the EU's decision to grant candidate status and initiate membership negotiations, seen as a strategic investment in European security and a means to strengthen the EU's security order.
2. Hungarian Opposition: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban initially opposed the decision to begin membership talks with Ukraine but ultimately abstained, allowing the decision to proceed despite his reservations.
3. Support from EU Leaders: EU leaders, such as European Council President Charles Michel and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, applauded the decision as a solid expression of support for Ukraine and Moldova, underscoring that these nations form an integral part of the European family.
4. Geopolitical Consequences: The decision was also viewed as a strategic move to obstruct Russia's ambitions in the region and to secure military capabilities and strategic resources for the EU. It was opined that a failed or delayed EU enlargement could allow other geopolitical players, like China, to boost their influence in the region.