BRUSSELS – “June 25, 2024 will go down in history: today we start negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova towards membership” of the European Union. “This is an important moment that strengthens us, that unites us as one family, our shared future begins now.” The President of the European Parliament writes it in X, Roberta Metsola on the day in which the General Affairs Council is preparing to hold the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Conferences for the start of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. This is essentially the first formal step towards joining the European club, in which member states present the roadmap for negotiations to the candidate countries.
“Our future is within the European family”, wrote the president of Moldova, Maia Sandu in a post on
The President of the European Council Charles Michel also spoke of “a historic moment”. “Following the European Council’s decision in December 2023 to start accession negotiations with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, the two countries are embarking on a real transformation towards full membership: a proud moment for both nations and a strategic step for the EU”, declared the Belgian, testifying how “this is the result of the enormous reform efforts made by Ukraine and Moldova”.
For the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, this is “excellent news for Ukrainian and Moldovan citizens and for the entire European Union: the path ahead will be challenging but full of opportunities”. The head of the European Executive wished “a positive start to the negotiations!”
Reproduction reserved © Copyright ANSA
