Pivotal Moment Before the Peace Summit in Switzerland: EU Nations Greenlight Talks for Ukraine and Moldova's Membership
EU nations propose launching negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova's membership
The EU nations have given the green light for discussions on membership with Ukraine and Moldova. This announcement came from the Belgian presidency in Brussels. The decision is slated for official approval at an upcoming EU ministerial gathering. Initially, the EU nations had intended to review a 14th sanctions package against Russia during their regular delegates' meeting today. However, Germany had previously voiced apprehensions about these plans, which remained unresolved.
This nod for membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova serves as a significant indication - primarily towards Kiev. The peace talks in Ukraine are set to commence on Saturday in Switzerland. The objective of this summit is to amass as much international backing as possible for Ukraine's peace proposal, including a full Russian retreat from Ukrainian soil.
The EU Commission had earlier stated a week ago that they deem all prerequisites for the initiation of EU membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova to be in place. Among these requirements were measures aimed at curbing corruption, enhanced protection for ethnic minorities, and diminishing the political clout of magnates.
Turkey: EU Aspirant Since 1999
The decision to initiate membership talks with the Russia-ensnared Ukraine and its slight neighbor Moldova was already made at an EU summit in December. Simultaneously, it was stipulated that all reform prerequisites must be met prior to the commencement of negotiations. Furthermore, it was mandated that all EU member states had to concur on the so-called negotiation framework, which outlines guidelines and principles for the accession negotiations.
For the people in Ukraine, the initiation of EU membership negotiations signifies a crucial sign that it's worth persevering in the resistance against Russia. The length of time it will take after the start of negotiations until EU membership is attained remains unknown. Turkey, for instance, has been an EU aspirant since 1999 - and is currently the farthest from membership due to setbacks in the rule of law.
In theory, a candidate country can never become a member. This is currently also considered improbable for Ukraine, as Kiev could then request military aid under Article 42, Paragraph 7 of the EU Treaty, making the EU a belligerent party.
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The greenlight for membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova by EU nations is significant, particularly for Ukraine, as peace talks are scheduled to commence on Saturday in Switzerland. The objective is to gather international support for Ukraine's peace proposal, including a full Russian withdrawal from Ukrainian territory.
Despite Turkey being an EU aspirant since 1999, Ukraine, with its ongoing EU membership negotiations, serves as a reminder to its people that perseverance in resisting Russia can lead to potential EU membership, even if the timeline remains uncertain.
