European Commission promises Ukraine and Moldova opportunity-filled path to the EU
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has delivered an address on the occasion of the first intergovernmental conference on Ukraine and Moldova's accession to the EU, which will officially launch membership negotiations. She said that people in Ukraine and Moldova have shown "unwavering commitment and determination" to be part of the EU.
Congratulations to Moldova and Ukraine on opening accession negotiations.
– Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) June 25, 2024
This is very good news for the people of Ukraine, Moldova, and the entire European Union.
The path ahead will be challenging but full of opportunities.
Wishing you a successful start of the negotiations! pic.twitter.com/v0GTnyqOM8
The European Commissioner called it good news that the European Union is starting accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova today.
"We are on the threshold of a significant and transformative moment for these two countries and for our Union. And we are celebrating the values and principles that bind us together," von der Leyen said.
She said that people in Ukraine and Moldova have shown "unwavering commitment and determination" to be part of the EU.
She pointed to the large-scale reforms that have been launched in both countries, despite times of war and turmoil.
"The path ahead will be challenging but it is also filled with immense opportunities for Ukraine and Moldova, as well as for our entire Union," she stressed, wishing the talks a successful start.
An EU-Ukraine intergovernmental conference will be held in Luxembourg on Tuesday, 25 June, to mark the official opening of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union.
Prior to that, the EU Council approved the negotiation framework for Ukraine and Moldova, which paves the way for the launch of accession negotiations.