European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Tuesday the opening of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.
“It is very good news that the European Union is today opening accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova,” said European Commission President von der Leyen in a video shared on the Commission’s website on Tuesday.
“We are on the threshold of a significant and transformative moment for both countries and for our Union. And we celebrate the values and principles that unite us. The EU has always been more than a political and economic union. It is a testament to our collective aspiration for peace, security, democracy and prosperity,” she said.
The applications of Ukraine and Moldova, submitted on 28 February and 3 March 2022 respectively, are the result of their determination to join the EU. Since then, both countries have implemented reforms to comply with the requirements of the European Union. “The people of Ukraine and Moldova have demonstrated their unwavering commitment and determination to participate in this project. Even in times of war and turmoil, they have undertaken far-reaching reforms,” von der Leyen stressed.
She nevertheless acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly given the complex geopolitical context marked by the war in Ukraine. “The road ahead will be difficult,” she said, while expressing her enthusiasm for “building a bigger, more dynamic and forward-looking Europe.”
This article is originally published on beninwebtv.com
