Ukraine has moved one step closer to European Union membership after leaders in Brussels agreed to open negotiations with the war-torn nation.
In a surprise announcement late Thursday, EU summit chair Charles Michel, who is the European Council president, said leaders had decided to start accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova.
"The European Council has decided to open accession negotiations with Ukraine & Moldova," he said via X, formerly Twitter.
The agreement comes despite Hungary pledging to block this decision during the current two-day EU summit.
A handful of other member states, such as Italy, have also raised issues over enlarging the EU.
Persons:
Charles Michel, EUCO
Organizations:
European Union, European Council
Locations:
Ukraine, Brussels, Moldova, Georgia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Italy