The heads of State and Government of the European Union agreed this Thursday start accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. A very important, existential decision for the Eastern neighbors who are in the Russian target, but also for the EU itself, which by opening the door and extending its hand also commits itself. to an unprecedented internal reform in the next years. Yesterday’s agreement was a political agreement, since there are still technical issues to be resolved and for both countries to complete pending reforms before March so that there is a clear negotiating mandate. But it is a milestone, an opportunity and an enormous challenge. What was impossible 24 months ago has become inevitable in this new geopolitical era.
Unexpectedly and in record time, the Member States have managed to force the hand of Viktor Orban. The Hungarian leader arrived in Brussels in the morning saying that it would not happen, that there was “no possibility”, that the country is not prepared, that it does not meet the requirements, that a possible entry into the Union threatens its national interests. And yet, a few hours later, a path was found, strange, unusual, controversial and that could end up before European Justice at some point: invite him to leave the room while the decision was being made.
As has happened again and again the last two years, Viktor Orban barks, barks and barks but not death. Since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, it has hindered all decisions of the European Union to sanction Moscow, to help Ukraine economically, politically or militarily. To build ties and bridges. He has threatened, he has threatened to block and even, as he has done with an increasing tone in recent weeks, has promised to veto the start of accession negotiations with Ukraine. And yet, when push comes to shove, when decisions are made at the highest level in the rooms of the European Council, and not when he is before the cameras of his country, things change. And he gives in. This morning, Michel organized a pre-summit breakfast with him, Emmanuel Macron, Olaf Scholz and Ursula Von der Leyen. And with that, and the 10.2 billion in European funds released yesterday, the pulse softened.
“The European Council has decided to start accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. We have also granted candidate status to Georgia. And the EU will start negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina once the necessary degree of compliance with the membership criteria is reached, which is why it has invited the European Commission to submit a report by March with a view to making such a decision. A clear sign of hope for its people and for our continent,” celebrated the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.
“This is a victory for Ukraine. A victory for all of Europe. A victory that motivates, inspires and strengthens“, celebrated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “Today we feel the warm embrace of Europe. Thank you for your support and faith in our journey. We are committed to the hard work necessary to become a member of the EU,” agreed the Prime Minister of Moldova, Maia Sandu.