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EU Leaders Reach Breakthrough To Open Membership Talks With Ukraine, Moldova
On December 15th, EU leaders gathered in Brussels for the second day of a summit during which a crucial breakthrough was achieved. Membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova are set to be opened following the agreement reached during the summit. However, the proposed 50-billion-euro ($54 billion) aid package for Kyiv faced a roadblock as Hungary withheld its approval.
Before the summit, EU officials and member states urged Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to lift his objections to the proposed increase in EU ties with Ukraine. The move comes as Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches its 22nd month.
The budget issue and talks question require unanimous approval from all parties involved. Orban expressed his concerns during an interview with Hungarian state radio on December 15, stating that Hungary could “halt this process.” He also warned of the potential for further delays in the aid package to Ukraine as a means to negotiate budget concessions from Brussels.
While Orban’s opposition to the EU invite was skirted a day earlier by getting him to leave the room, concerns remain as Russian troops continue to occupy around one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory. The 27-member bloc did pass a 12th bundle of sanctions against Russia over the invasion, marking a significant action against the conflict.
The decision to start negotiations with Ukraine has been hailed as a sign of hope for the country and the continent. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy welcomed the agreement, describing it as a “victory for Ukraine” and a motivation for the country. He also emphasized that those who continue to fight for freedom will shape history, alluding to the ongoing struggle against Russian aggression.
Despite the progress made in the summit, Kyiv once again appealed for the 50 billion euros in aid from the EU. While Ukraine is not part of the EU military alliance, its membership is seen as a potential safeguard against Russian influence and aggression.
In addition to the Ukraine and Moldova agreements, the EU also granted EU candidate status to Georgia and expressed plans to advance the EU bid for Bosnia-Herzegovina once it meets the necessary conditions for membership.
While the decisions were welcomed by some, the Kremlin expressed its displeasure, branding the move to embrace aspiring members as a “politically motivated decision” that could potentially destabilize the EU. Officials anticipate reconsidering the aid-to-Ukraine issue at an upcoming summit.
The summit follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Washington, where he faced challenges in convincing Republican lawmakers to unblock military and economic aid packages for Ukraine.
As the summit resumed on day two, leaders were also set to discuss Israel’s conflict with Hamas and challenging immigration issues.
The progress made during the summit is seen as pivotal, offering hope to Ukraine and other aspiring member states while also highlighting the lingering challenges and divisions within the EU.
