The EU agreed to open membership discussions with Moldova and Ukraine. The EU also agreed to candidate status for Georgia. Germany’s Olaf Scholz suggested to Hungary’s Victor Orban that he leave the room as the other 26 members cast their votes and he did. The summit held in Brussels was the last to be held in 2023.
A number of other European Union leaders have joined the chorus welcoming the start of EU accession talks for Ukraine and Moldova. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said the vote was a proud moment for Ukraine, Moldova and Europe. "We kept our promises. We made history. Now we will write the future together," she said.
Georgia's President Salome Zourabichvili has hailed the decision by the European Union to officially grant her country candidate status. This is the last step before membership talks can begin.
"Today signifies a monumental milestone for Georgia and our European family!" she said on social media. "The unwavering will of the Georgian people has spoken, leading to the well-deserved attainment of candidate status."
