According to Germany’s foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, a stronger, larger and united EU is the geopolitical answer to Russia’s war of aggression.
She asserted that the people of Ukraine belong to the European family.
The start of EU accession talks, she added, is the next step that we should take together.
Baerbock’s comments came as the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, announced on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, that the commission recommends that the European Council open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.
Von der Leyen said that Ukraine has completed “well over” 90% of the necessary steps outlined by the commission last year, pointing to judicial reforms and anti-corruption efforts.
“The remaining reforms are already on their way,” she added.
“Ukraine continues to face tremendous hardship and tragedy provoked by Russia’s war of aggression, and yet the Ukrainians are deeply reforming their country, even as they are fighting a war that is existential for them.”
Ursula von der Leyen
She noted that the commission has also recommended that the council adopt a negotiating framework once Ukraine has carried out its reforms.
Moreso, von der Leyen revealed that the commission also recommended the opening of EU accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina “once the necessary degree of compliance with the membership criteria is achieved.”
In addition, the commission recommended that the council grant Georgia the status of a candidate country on the understanding that certain reforms are made.
The commission’s recommendation to open accession negotiations was welcomed by the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“This is a strong and historic step that paves the way to a stronger EU with Ukraine as its member,” he said.
Zelenskiy thanked the European Union and the commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, “for supporting Ukraine on our road to the EU,” adding that Ukraine continues on its reform path and looks forward to European Council’s decision in December.
In a post on social media, Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, lauded the Commission’s recommendation.
“Our fight and sacrifices are not in vain. Our transformation is recognised. Our dreams and hopes are coming true. What got us through the most difficult time any European nation has faced in modern history was historical justice for the European nation of Ukraine and a European future for our children.
“For decades to come, Ukraine will serve as an example of the determination and faith of the people who fight for their ideals no matter what stands in the way. And also of the faith in Europe.”
Dmytro Kuleba
Other European foreign Ministers also hailed von der Leyen’s announcement.
EU Urged To Effect Reforms
While welcoming the commission report, the Greens group stressed the need for the EU to implement its own reforms in preparation for enlargement.
Markéta Gregorová, a Czech member of the European parliament from the Greens group, said, “The commission’s assessment to conditionally recommend the opening of accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova is a strong signal that further enlargement is within reach.”
Nonetheless, she added that the EU must be prepared for this historic moment and make the necessary internal reforms to welcome new members as soon as they fulfil the accession criteria.
Addressing the issue of Georgia, she said, “We note the recommendation to grant Georgia candidate status on the understanding that several steps are taken.”
“We call on the Georgian government to seriously and proactively engage with the required reforms to meet not just the steps set out by the commission, but more importantly the aspirations of the Georgian people.”
Markéta Gregorová
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