The European Council announces start of negotiations on EU membership for Ukraine and Moldova

This was announced by the President of the Council, Charles Michel.

This decision will mark a new stage in Ukraine's European integration.

On November 8, when the European Commission recommended the start of negotiations, Ursula von der Leyen noted that the duration of the talks would depend on the speed of the remaining reforms.  

In addition, the EU granted candidate status to Georgia and promised Bosnia and Herzegovina to open negotiations as soon as the required level of compliance with the membership criteria is reached.

On the eve of the European Council meeting, the President of the European Commission noted that Ukraine had almost fully implemented the recommendations for reforms towards EU membership.

It will be recalled that in June 2022, the European Council granted Ukraine the status of an EU candidate. The same decision was made in relation to Moldova.