In a significant move that signals a shift towards the West and a diminishing of Russia's influence, the European Union (EU) has agreed to initiate membership discussions with Ukraine and Moldova.
This decision, announced on Friday, marks another milestone in the countries' arduous journey towards EU integration.
As reported by ABC News, Belgium, the current EU presidency holder, confirmed that the negotiations are set to commence on June 25 in Luxembourg. This comes after Ukraine submitted its application to join the bloc in February 2022, following Russia's invasion. The EU leaders responded swiftly, granting Ukraine candidate status by June of the same year. However, the process has since slowed down, and the path to membership could span years, or even decades.
Despite the lengthy process, the initiation of talks sends a potent message of solidarity with Ukraine, supplementing the substantial financial aid already provided by the EU. This move also underscores the EU's commitment to supporting nations that uphold democratic principles and the rule of law, a cornerstone of conservative values.
Last year, leaders from the 27-nation bloc agreed to start accession negotiations with both Ukraine and Moldova. This political agreement was a prerequisite, and Friday's decision provides the legal foundation for the talks. To gain EU membership, candidate countries must undergo an extensive process to align their laws and standards with those of the bloc and meet numerous economic and political conditions.
Ukraine, for instance, will need to tackle deep-rooted government corruption and implement other reforms. The country, along with several others, has long aspired to join the EU, viewing it as a route to prosperity and stability. While the EU is not a military alliance like NATO, some perceive membership in the bloc as a safeguard against Russian influence.
Moldova, which has been anxiously observing Russia's invasion of its neighbor, has repeatedly accused Russia of waging a "hybrid war" against it. The country alleges that Moscow has interfered in local elections and launched extensive disinformation campaigns to destabilize the government and obstruct its path to EU membership.
Russia has refuted these allegations, but the Moldovan government remains cautious of Moscow's intentions. "Today, I signed the decree on initiating Moldovas EU accession negotiations," announced Maia Sandu, the president of Moldova. "Becoming an EU member is our path to peace, prosperity, and a better life for all citizens." This statement encapsulates the hope and aspiration of these nations as they embark on this journey towards EU membership.
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