Accession talks launched: EU signals strong support for war-torn nations

In a watershed moment for European geopolitics, the European Union formally welcomed Ukraine and Moldova into accession talks on Thursday.

EU aid to Ukraine stalled by Hungarian veto

European Union leaders envisioned a crucial lifeline for war-battered Ukraine on Thursday. A €50 billion aid package, aimed at bolstering the country's finances as it defends itself against Russia's ongoing invasion, seemed poised for approval. But at the eleventh hour, a lone dissenting voice threatened to derail the entire plan: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Prime Minister Ciolacu congratulates the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine after the opening of EU accession negotiations

Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu welcomed the decision taken on Thursday by the European Council in favor of opening EU accession negotiations for the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.

Reactions of European officials after the adoption of the decision to launch negotiations with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban did not participate in the decisive vote on EU enlargement

President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola: This is a proud moment for Europe. For Ukraine. For Moldova. For everyone fighting for our values. For everyone looking to Europe as a beacon of hope. We kept our promises. We made history. Now we will write the future together.

Volodymyr Zelensky about the decision of the European Council: It is a victory for Ukraine, a victory for Europe

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, qualified as a victory for Ukraine and Europe the decision of the European Council to allow the accession negotiations with Ukraine to be launched.

Nicu Popescu: "Congratulations, Moldova! Today, we celebrate a special moment in the history of the Republic of Moldova"

After an important period in which we successfully implemented the recommendations of the European Union, the member states of the Union issued a positive vote for the opening of accession negotiations with our country. Today's decision represents a historic moment for the Republic of Moldova, marking the most important step so far towards our accession to the great family of the European Union, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Nicu Popescu.

Igor Grosu: It is a victory for our citizens who chose the European path. Together we will write the history of Europe!

The Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu mentioned that today's vote of the European Council is a historic moment for the Republic of Moldova, marking the most important step so far towards our accession to the great family of the European Union.

Maia Sandu: "Dear Moldovans, congratulations! Today's decision to open negotiations for the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the EU is a victory for all of us"

President Maia Sandu welcomed the European Council's decision to launch accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, noting that this is a victory for all the country's citizens.

Dorin Recean: "Congratulations, dear citizens! Today we start the accession negotiations to the European Union"

"The historic decision of the European Council, taken with the unanimous vote of the 27 European leaders, is the result of the effort we have all made in recent years, together with the president Maia Sandu. We know what we have to do, we are determined to continue the reforms to become part of the great European family as soon as possible. Moldova is European. Our future is in the EU", said Prime Minister Dorin Recean.

European Council adopted the decision to launch EU accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine

The European Council adopted the historic decision to open EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. The announcement was made by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel on the X platform.

Mureșan: It would not be right for Hungary to block the launch of negotiations with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine

The Republic of Moldova and Ukraine have fulfilled the commitments they assumed when they were granted the status of candidate countries for accession and deserve to start negotiations for this process, MEP Siegfried Mureșan said on Radio Moldova. According to the official, it would not be right for Hungary to block the launch of negotiations with these two countries. Regarding the European Commission's unblocking of over 10 billion euros for Hungary, it has nothing in common with the decision to be taken by the European Council regarding the launch of accession negotiations, Siegfried Mureșan said.

Roberta Metsola: Ukraine must get the political, moral and spiritual support it deserves. The same for the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova must benefit from all the necessary support from the member states of the EU bloc in the accession process, said the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, at the beginning of the European Union Summit.