Brussels, 14 December 2023 (dpa/MIA) - The European Union has agreed to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, with Hungary clearing the way by abstaining from what it called a "senseless" decision when it came to Ukraine.

"The decision is made," European Council President Charles Michel announced at the margins of an EU summit.

"We want to support Ukraine. It's a very powerful political signal, it's a very powerful political decision," he said.

The agreement was reached after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had decided to abstain from the decision.

"Hungary's position is clear; Ukraine is not prepared to start negotiations on EU membership," he said in a video posted on X.

"It's a completely senseless, irrational and incorrect decision to start negotiations with Ukraine under these circumstances, and Hungary will not change its position," Orbán stated.

"On the other hand, 26 other countries insisted that this decision be made. Therefore, Hungary decided that if the 26 decide to do so, they should go there own way."

"For this reason Hungary did not participate in the decision today."

EU leaders were required to decide on the matter unanimously. Ahead of the EU summit, Orbán had repeatedly threatened to veto opening membership talks with Ukraine.

The decision was made when Orbán was not in the room "in a pre-agreed and constructive manner," an EU official said.

"This is a victory for Ukraine. A victory for all of Europe. A victory that motivates, inspires, and strengthens," wrote Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"A strong sign of support and a perspective for Ukraine," commented German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in a post on X.

"One thing is clear: these countries belong to the European family," he added.

"A strategic decision and a day that will remain engraved in the history of our Union," wrote European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on X.

"Proud that we have lived up to our promises and delighted for our partners," she added.

The European Commission in November recommended opening EU accession negotiations with Ukraine, despite shortcomings in its fight against corruption and a need to limit further the influence of oligarchs.

Reforms in those areas and on the protection of national minorities would have to be concluded before the first round of talks can be held, the commission said at the time, aiming to reassess progress by March 2024.

Kiev has repeatedly promised to implement the outstanding reforms in the coming months, hoping for a swift opening of negotiations.

Orbán had argued that deciding to open talks would be premature as long as not all criteria are met.

Starting membership talks is considered a largely symbolic move, as they can take several years and there is no guarantee that they will result in EU membership.

Ukraine, together with neighbouring Moldova, had applied to join the bloc in early 2022 in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion, and was named an official candidate country in June last year.

The EU also plans to start negotiations with Bosnia-Herzegovina once criteria are met and Georgia will be named a candidate country, Michel said.

Joining the EU can be a lengthy process, in which candidates have to meticulously align their laws and standards with Brussels and EU members may block progress at numerous moments.

The breakthrough on EU enlargement is not the end of the summit in Brussels.

Negotiations between EU leaders continue as they try to reach a deal on the revision of the bloc's long-term budget which would unlock up to €50 billion ($54.9 billion) in new financial aid for Ukraine.

Photo: EPA