The European Council has decided to begin negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova to join the European Union. Vice Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk, the co-chair of the Intergovernmental Ukrainian-Moldovan Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, welcomed the EU leaders’ decision.

“This is a historic event for Ukraine. I also congratulate the friendly people of Moldova. It is symbolic that our countries received such a strong signal from the European Union on the same day. I believe that we will walk this path side by side and become full members of the great European family,” said Iryna Vereshchuk.

Now the European Commission has to prepare a so-called negotiating framework with Ukraine. A vote on its approval may take place at the EU summit in March 2024.