Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala conveyed a significant message to journalists in Brussels, emphasizing the importance of the European Union’s decision to initiate accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova. Fiala underscored that the move signals the EU’s genuine interest in the futures of these countries. This development was met with approval from Czech President Petr Pavel, who took to Twitter, stating that the decision would not only benefit the security and prosperity of the Czech Republic but also the new candidate countries.

The decision to open accession talks came after intensive negotiations during a summit in Brussels, where EU leaders approved the move. While Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed disagreement with the step, diplomatic sources revealed that he eventually left the room when the decision was made.

Fiala acknowledged that reaching an agreement was a challenging process but highlighted the significance of the EU maintaining unity on key issues. The summit also saw support for granting candidate status to Georgia, further expanding the bloc’s engagement with Eastern European nations.

President Pavel expressed his support for the decision, emphasizing the work ahead for Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia on their path to EU membership. He underscored that the move is not only the right decision for the candidate countries but also crucial for the security and prosperity of the entire region.

Describing the European Council summit as one of the most difficult he had attended, Fiala characterized the decisions adopted as a “big step forward and a success for Europe and the EU countries.” The approval of the European Council conclusions concerning Ukraine reaffirmed support for the country and condemned Russian aggression, sending a powerful signal of unity during challenging times.

Amidst ongoing Russian military aggression, particularly against Ukraine since February 2022, the EU’s commitment to engaging with Eastern European nations underscores the bloc’s dedication to stability, security, and collaboration in the region.

Article by Prague Forum