While the talks are an important milestone on the road to the EU, talks could take years.
This Tuesday, the European Union began talks for the accession of Ukraine and Moldova. A formal steptowards integration that is produced ten years after Russia will annex the Crimean peninsula to dissuade Ukraine from approaching the West.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, Hadja Lahbibas a country that holds the semi-annual presidency of the Council of the EU, insisted that the accession process will be “demanding“, but added that they will be supported every step of the way: “Together we can build a stronger, safer and more prosperous Europe for all. Now let’s all get to work to make this happen. Let’s be fair and honest. The road will be long and it will not always be easy. We know that we have a lot of work ahead of us and Member States will decide when Ukraine meets the conditions to move forward based on objective progress, but with a unwavering determination, we are confident that Ukraine will be able to achieve this. with you every step of the way. “You are not alone.”
Just a few hours later, Moldaviaone of the poorest countries in Europealso began accession talks.
Lahbib referred to Moldova, which Russia sees as a country in its orbit of influenceas future EU member: “There is no doubt that Moldova is an integral part of Europe, with a shared history, a shared heritage and a shared culture.
Ukraine and Moldova applied to join the European Union immediately after the russian invasion in February 2022
