The President of the European Council has announced that the EU will open accession talks with Ukraine.
In a message posted on X, Charles Michel said: “The European Council has decided to open accession negotiations with Ukraine & Moldova. #EUCO granted candidate status to Georgia. And the EU will open negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina once the necessary degree of compliance with the membership criteria is reached and has invited the commission to report by March with a view to taking such a decision. A clear signal of hope for their people and for our continent,” reports RTE.
An EU official said: “There has been a decision of the European Council on this matter which has not been opposed by any member of the European Council,” reports RTE.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was reportedly absent from the hall during the vote.
In a post on X, Taoiseach Mr Varadkar said: “Very significant news. Talks can now begin with Ukraine and Moldova on joining the EU. It will be a big boost for morale to know that Europe believes their rightful place is with us in our common home,” reports RTE.
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