Future Maidan Fought for Has Finally Begun – European Commission President
Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President, has congratulated the Ukrainian people on the Day of Dignity and Freedom.
"Ten years of dignity. Of pride. Of striving for freedom. The cold winter nights of Euromaidan have changed Europe forever. A whole nation took to the streets and spoke with one voice. You said: Ukraine belongs in Europe, and our future belongs to us," Ursula von der Leyen said on Twitter (X).
That is why, she noted, the people of Ukraine wrapped themselves in European flags, challenging snipers and special forces.
"You decided to be Masters of your own future. Today, it is clearer than ever that the future of Ukraine is in the European Union. The future that the Maidan fought for has finally begun. Glory To Ukraine! Long Live Europe!" said the president of the European Commission.
Ten years of dignity.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) November 21, 2023
Of pride.
Of striving for freedom.
The cold winter nights of Euromaidan have changed Europe forever.
Today, it is clearer than ever.
The future of Ukraine is in the European Union.
The future that the Maidan fought for has finally begun. pic.twitter.com/Z0xD4Ss3Qs
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his address on the Day of Dignity and Freedom, stated that Ukraine's efforts on the way to the EU should undoubtedly end with full membership and the star of Ukraine should shine on the EU flag.
Ingrida Šimonytė, Lithuanian Prime Minister, noted on the 10th anniversary of the Revolution of Dignity that the EU family is incomplete without Ukraine.
After the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine applied for EU membership and received candidate status. In December of this year, Ukraine hopes to get the political consent of EU leaders to open accession negotiations.
Kyiv hopes that, in practice, negotiations – a complex and lengthy process – can begin in the spring of next year.
Now, Hungary may hinder the "green light" of the December decision, which promises to block the start of the negotiation process with Kyiv.