Summary of the day
The European Commission took the historic step of formally recommending to member states that they should open EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.
The commission also said it recommended that the council adopt so-called negotiating frameworks for Ukraine and Moldova once they had adopted certain key measures.
For Georgia, the commission recommended the status of a candidate country but on the understanding that a number of steps were taken.
In the complex case of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the commission said it recommended the opening of accession negotiations “once the necessary degree of compliance with the membership criteria is achieved”.
The commission said Serbia needed to improve its alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy, including when it came to Russia.
The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, said following the commission announcement that “this is a strong and historic step that paves the way to a stronger EU with Ukraine as its member”.
Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s foreign minister, said in an emotional post that “our fight and sacrifices are not in vain”.
Nicu Popescu, Moldova’s foreign minister, wrote on social media that the commission’s recommendation “is a testament to our progress”.
Germany’s foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, said that the people of Ukraine belonged to the European family and that a stronger, larger and united EU was the geopolitical answer to Russia’s war of aggression.
The commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, warned in a speech to the European parliament that “if our union isn’t fast enough in bringing candidate countries closer, others will fill the vacuum”.
The European parliament president, Roberta Metsola, wrote that “an enlarged EU means a stronger EU”.
Elina Valtonen, Finland’s foreign minister, emphasised that “merit-based enlargement makes the union more prosperous and resilient”.
Romania’s president, Klaus Iohannis, called today’s moves “fully deserved recognition of their comprehensive reform efforts”.
The recommendation that the EU opens accession talks was described by the EU Commission as “unconditional”, puzzling reporters. Officials insisted the “unconditional” and “preconditions” are reconcilable as the reforms they are talking about are mere “leftovers”.
Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, chair of the Ukrainian parliament’s committee on integration to the EU, said that Ukrainians were happy with the European Commission’s move today, but also cautioned that accession should not be dependent on EU internal reforms.
Adnan Ćerimagić, a senior analyst at the European Stability Initiative, said that when it came to Bosnia and Herzegovina, “with a wording of today’s recommendation, the European Commission found an elegant way to balance between expectations of different actors involved”.
Updated
Enlargement in 'common interest', Von der Leyen tells EU parliament
Speaking at the European parliament this afternoon, the EU Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said “there’s a new sense of urgency to unite our European family”.
Today it is clear that the stability of every country in our continent affects, of course, also our own stability. Their security is our security. And if our union isn’t fast enough in bringing candidate countries closer, others will fill the vacuum.
But it is in our geopolitical interest to complete our union, to make it stronger than ever.
And it’s not only about geopolitics. It’s of course also about economics. The completion of our union will make the new member states’ economies grow, it will make EU companies grow, it will also make our single market grow, making Europe an even more attractive and stronger partner in the global stage.
Prosperity is not only shared by enlargement, it is multiplied. Enlargement is in our common interest. So we must seize this moment of opportunity to advance as much as possible towards the completion of our union.
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Commission balancing on Bosnia, analyst says
The European Commission said today that it recommends opening EU accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina once the necessary degree of compliance is achieved.
We asked Adnan Ćerimagić, a senior analyst at the European Stability Initiative, about this.
“With a wording of today’s recommendation, the European Commission found an elegant way to balance between expectations of different actors involved,” he said.
The analyst added:
Sarajevo, and its EU friends in Vienna, Ljubljana and elsewhere, expected [the] country to start EU accession talks by the end of this year, while key EU capitals like Berlin, expressed enormous scepticism and opposition.
In a way, today the commission opened a door for accession talks with Bosnia-Herzegovina but avoided testing decisiveness of the sceptic member states. So before asking them, it decided to ask Sarajevo to deliver more.
But, he noted, “while from Brussels’ point of view this might be a pragmatic and obvious solution, it has its risks”.
Sarajevo, Ćerimagić said, “has overall been asked by the EU to deliver much, much more than Moldova, for example”. He said:
Asking those in the current government, who since January this year consistently championed the EU path, to deliver more reforms, in terms of Bosnian and Herzegovinian political reality means also to ask them to make more difficult compromises with Milorad Dodik. The same politician whose political agenda is sanctioned by Germany, which as said was very sceptical about the start of accession talks.
Nevertheless, he added, “even if the EU at one point soon decides to start accession talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina, nothing fundamental will change since those who have been negotiating for over a decade, like Montenegro, are still years away from being prepared or joining the EU”.
And, the analyst said, the “EU has failed to create and offer incentives, such as full membership in the EU single market, that would in the meantime make reforms and progress more likely or worthy the efforts”.
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EU reform process should not hamper membership, Ukrainian politician says
Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, chair of the Ukrainian parliament’s committee on integration to the EU, told us today that Ukrainians are happy with the European Commission’s move today, but also cautioned that accession should not be dependent on EU internal reforms.
In a phone interview, Klympush-Tsintsadze said:
I think it’s a pretty widely shared feeling here in Ukraine that we are happy to see the recommendation from the European Commission for the council to take the decision on the start of negotiations already this year. And yes, we do understand that it also has … additional recommendations before the actual start of negotiations.
But I hope that there is a clear understanding across the political spectrum in Ukraine, that this is an absolutely historic chance for the state and the people of Ukraine to fulfil their strategic goal and strategic dream, if you wish. So therefore, it is – from my perspective – it is seen as a very, very positive signal.
The chair noted that “obviously, we do understand that it’s not even a done deal with the decision of the European Council” and that there are “different winds”, which mean there is a need for “a very serious mobilisation both on the side of the European institutions and those member states who do want to ensure that this decision has to be taken already this year”.
And when it comes to what is next, the politician added:
With regard to the next stages, we are in close communication with … our partners from different countries, and we do hear very well that there are serious concerns from some politicians with regard to whether it will be possible to decouple the process of internal reform in the EU from the European integration aspirations of all those countries that are right now in their candidate status or on the way to open the negotiations or conducting the negotiations.
And I think that this is incredibly important, that we decouple and make sure that these processes are going in parallel, and if the country will be done with its internal tasks, that no internal processes in the EU would hamper that final decision on the full-scale membership.
Plus, she noted, other challenges can come up during the process:
The challenges of the time require very serious mobilisations both internally in those states who are aspiring to membership but also among those who are inside the EU, understanding that this is also about their geopolitical and geo-economic future as well.
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Bosnia leader thanks EU, says country 'must fulfil' obligation
Borjana Krišto, chair of the council of ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, thanked the European Commission “as well as all our friends within the EU for deciding to believe in BIH and for supporting the recommendation to open negotiations, bearing in mind that we in BIH must fulfil our obligation without any delay”.
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An Irish member of the European parliament, Deirdre Clune, a member of Fine Gael, said that it was time for accession negotiations with Ukraine to begin.
“Every day, Ukrainians show us what they are fighting and for. They are fighting for their future, for a Ukraine free from Russian aggression,” Clune told the Irish Times.
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People of Ukraine belong to European family, says German minister
Germany’s foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, said today that the people of Ukraine belong to the European family.
The start of EU accession talks, she added, was the next step.
A stronger, larger and united EU is the geopolitical answer to Russia’s war of aggression.
Die Menschen in der #Ukraine gehören zur europäischen Familie. Der Beginn der EU-#Beitrittsgespräche ist der nächste Schritt, den wir gemeinsam gehen sollten. Denn eine stärkere, größere und geschlossene EU ist die geopolitische Antwort auf Russlands Angriffskrieg.
— Außenministerin Annalena Baerbock (@ABaerbock) November 8, 2023
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Ilhan Kyuchyuk, a Bulgarian member of the European parliament from the Renew Europe group, praised the European Commission’s recommendations today but said he insists that the commission “not … leave the countries from the western Balkans, whose citizens have been living with the European dream and aspiration for a decade”.
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Tonino Picula, a Croatian member of the European parliament from the Socialists and Democrats group, has criticised parts of the European Commission’s report.
Speaking at a meeting of the parliament’s foreign affairs committee, he said “appeasement policy toward Serbia and relativising its action must end because it brought us nowhere and has a spillover effect on the rest of the region”.
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Reinhard Bütikofer, a member of the European parliament from the German Greens, has questioned if Europe can be sure Serbia’s leadership is committed to choosing the path of democracy.
Talking on enlargement policy, President @vonderleyen said that the countries “have understood the call of history, and that is that you have to choose if you want democracy and prosperity or if you want an authoritarian regime.” Can we be sure, that #Vučić has understood?
— Reinhard Bütikofer (@bueti) November 8, 2023
Key event
Conditional or unconditional?
The recommendation that the EU opens accession talks was described by the EU Commission as “unconditional”.
It could be argued that this is as much about politics and boosting morale in Ukraine as it is about process.
Both Ukraine and Moldova have been given preconditions that they must complete reforms before the negotiating framework will be adopted. This is expected in March.
It was a hot topic at a press briefing in Brussels, with Ukrainian journalists, in particular, puzzled by the statements.
How can it be unconditional when you set conditions?
Officials insist the “unconditional” and “preconditions” are reconcilable as the reforms they are talking about are mere “leftovers” from the cluster of reforms both countries had to undertake – for example, giving an anti-corruption authority in Kyiv more powers to revisit conflict of interests of public servants should evidence support further investigations.
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The EU now has an opportunity “to become a larger geopolitical force”, Latvia’s foreign affairs minister, Krišjānis Kariņš, said today.
He added:
By expanding the number of member states, we will be strengthening democratically based rule of law in Europe. I strongly support the enlargement package presented by the European Commission today.
The EU has a chance to become a larger geopolitical force. By expanding the number of member states, we will be strengthening democratically-based rule of law in Europe.
— Krišjānis Kariņš (@krisjaniskarins) November 8, 2023
I strongly support the Enlargement Package presented by the @EU_Commission today. 🇪🇺
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Recommendation for Ukraine and Moldova 'fully deserved', Romanian leader says
Romania’s president, Klaus Iohannis, said he welcomes the “historic” recommendation to open accession negotiations with Moldova and Ukraine, calling the move “fully deserved recognition of their comprehensive reform efforts”.
I welcome the historic @EU_Commission recommendations to open accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova 🇲🇩 and Ukraine 🇺🇦. Fully deserved recognition of their comprehensive reform efforts. Romania 🇷🇴 strongly supports a EU 🇪🇺 decision this year.
— Klaus Iohannis (@KlausIohannis) November 8, 2023
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'Delightful' that so many people want to join, Finnish minister says, emphasising 'merit-based' enlargement
Elina Valtonen, Finland’s foreign minister, said that she welcomes the EU enlargement package.
“It is delightful that so many people across Europe want to see their country as a member of the EU, a union of democracies,” she said.
The minister added:
Rule of law, non-corruption and a well-functioning market economy pave the path to membership, benefiting all citizens.
Merit-based enlargement makes the union more prosperous and resilient. #EUenlargement
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The Greens group has welcomed the commission report but stressed the need for the EU to implement its own reforms in preparation for enlargement.
Markéta Gregorová, a Czech member of the European parliament from the Greens group, said:
The commission’s assessment to conditionally recommend the opening of accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova is a strong signal that further enlargement is within reach.
The EU must be prepared for this historic moment and make the necessary internal reforms to welcome new members as soon as they fulfil the accession criteria.
Addressing the issue of Georgia, she added:
We note the recommendation to grant Georgia candidate status on the understanding that several steps are taken. We call on the Georgian government to seriously and proactively engage with the required reforms to meet not just the steps set out by the commission, but more importantly the aspirations of the Georgian people.
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What happens next?
Now that the European Commission has released its report and recommendations, what comes next?
First, the leaders of the existing 27 member states must adopt the recommendations of the commission at their 15 December meeting.
If they approve them, which they are likely to, then the commission will send its negotiating team to Kyiv and Chișinău that night.
What lies ahead is a mammoth technical task.
The UK knows all about the pain of reversing out of 40,000 pages of EU law, often described during the long Brexit process as “grandfathering”.
In these accession negotiations, Ukraine and Moldova will have to bring all of EU law into their respective national statute books.
Before that is an EU process called “screening”, which will assess or scope out which laws, line by line, need to be tweaked, updated or even binned.
The screening process normally takes a year or two, said one official. “We want to go fast and think we can do this in six months,” they added.
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Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, has congratulated the Moldovan people and government.
You have made remarkable efforts to progress on the path towards the EU.
The European Commission today recommends starting accession negotiations with Moldova. Moldova belongs to the EU. The EU’s door is open.
Germany to examine commission recommendation
Germany will examine the European Commission’s recommendation to start membership talks with Ukraine thoroughly before making a decision, a government spokesperson said, Reuters reported.
The membership talks are dependent on the success of reforms, the spokesperson said.
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'Serious deficiencies' in Turkey, EU Commission says
The European Commission said in its report today that “there are serious deficiencies in the functioning” of Turkey’s democratic institutions.
“Democratic backsliding continued during the reporting period. Structural deficiencies in the presidential system remained in place,” it added.
The commission said that “regarding its ability to assume the obligations of membership, Türkiye has pursued alignment with the EU acquis on a rather ad hoc basis and to a limited degree”.
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Here are the key developments today so far:
The European Commission has recommended that formal membership negotiations should begin with Ukraine and Moldova in a move its president, Ursula von der Leyen, described as a response to “the call of history”.
In a 1,200-page report on future enlargement of the 27-member bloc, the EU said talks should formally be launched once Kyiv satisfied remaining conditions related to stepping up the fight against corruption, adopting a law on lobbying in line with EU standards and strengthening national minority safeguards.
The report also recommended opening accession talks with Bosnia, but only it met conditions in certain areas, and giving candidate status to Georgia, a step that would set it on the path for eventual accession to the EU.
Von der Leyen, said: “Completing our union is the call of history. It is the natural horizon.” Membership of the EU was a “powerful lever” that would boost economies and stability of the bloc, she added.
She said: “The neighbourhood, our neighbourhood, has to choose where they want to go. And the western Balkans, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine chose very clearly where they want to go.”
Read the full story here.
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Sacrifices not in vain, Ukrainian foreign minister says
Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s foreign minister, said after the commission announced its recommendation to open accession negotiations with Kyiv that “on this historic day” he recalled “the Revolution of Dignity and all the years that have taken us to this moment”.
In an emotional post on social media, the minister said:
Our fight and sacrifices are not in vain. Our transformation is recognised. Our dreams and hopes are coming true. What got us through the most difficult time any European nation has faced in modern history was historical justice for the European nation of Ukraine and a European future for our children.
For decades to come, Ukraine will serve as an example of the determination and faith of the people who fight for their ideals no matter what stands in the way. And also of the faith in Europe.
Updated
The Renew Europe group has welcomed the commission’s recommendations today.
Petras Auštrevičius, a Lithuanian member of the European parliament from the group, said in a statement that Kyiv is taking the necessary steps to meet the remaining conditions.
This is another significant and historic moment for Ukraine and its brave people, who continue to pursue their dream of EU membership and comprehensive political, legal and economic reforms despite the brutal crimes of the Russian terrorist regime. Our shared dream and goal is to bring Ukraine into the EU. As we continue our strong support for Ukraine, let us not forget that the EU itself must prepare for future enlargement, and this task must be undertaken without delay.
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Ukraine continued progress on rule of law, EU Commission says in report
In its report published today, the European Commission said that “despite Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 and its brutal war of aggression, Ukraine has continued to progress on democratic and rule of law reforms”.
“The granting of candidate status for EU accession to Ukraine in June 2022 has further accelerated reform efforts,” it added.
But there’s still work to be done.
“On the functioning of the judiciary, Ukraine has some level of preparation and must continue its efforts,” the report notes.
Similarly, “on the fight against corruption, Ukraine has some level of preparation”, according to the report.
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'Strong and historic step': Zelenskiy welcomes commission recommendation
The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, welcomed the commission’s recommendation to open accession negotiations.
“This is a strong and historic step that paves the way to a stronger EU with Ukraine as its member,” he said.
Zelenskiy thanked the European Union and the commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, “for supporting Ukraine on our road to the EU”.
He added:
Ukraine continues on its reform path and looks forward to European Council’s decision in December.
Updated
Moldova 'ready' for talks, minister says
Nicu Popescu, Moldova’s foreign minister, wrote on social media that the commission’s recommendation to open accession talks “is a testament to our progress since becoming a candidate country in June 2022”.
He added:
We are ready for negotiation talks and are hopeful for a positive vote at the upcoming December European Council meeting.
Updated
Recommendation for Ukraine and Moldova's accession negotiations 'unconditional', officials say
The recommendation to open negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova is “unconditional”, officials have confirmed.
But both countries have been asked to complete reforms already under way before talks begin in earnest.
The commission believes both countries can do this by March.
Ukraine, for example, is being asked to complete implementation on anti-corruption by enacting some laws already laid and making some changes to the asset declaration systems now in place for public servants.
It is also wants the body overseeing the asset declaration list to be given additional powers to revisit the list if new evidence emerges of conflict of interest among politicians.
Moldova has been described as the “frontrunner” in terms of the speed of reforms required for full alignment with the EU, with officials describing its “great progress” so far.
It is being asked to complete reforms on three areas, including staffing of anti-corruption offices and regulations in relation to cash payments in the public system.
Updated
Serbia needs to improve foreign policy alignment, European Commission says
The European Commission said today that “Serbia continued the implementation of EU accession-related reforms, including in the area of rule of law” but that “further amendments will be needed to be fully in line with the EU acquis and European standards”.
The commission also stressed the need for Belgrade to align with European foreign policy – including when it came to the Kremlin.
Serbia needs to improve, as a matter of priority, its alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy, including restrictive measures and statements on Russia.
The commission also noted that “further work and political commitment are also needed to implement reforms in the area of rule of law”.
It also highlighted that “both Serbia and Kosovo are yet to start the implementation of their respective obligations, which are binding for the parties and a key part of their European paths”.
Updated
Enlarged EU means stronger EU, parliament president says
The European parliament president, Roberta Metsola, wrote on social media that “an enlarged EU means a stronger EU”.
She added:
The European parliament welcomes the progress of countries that aspire to join the EU. Today’s European Commission’s recommendations give renewed hope and a clear European path to millions of people towards a future of freedom, peace and stability.
The parliament president said she was “glad that Ukraine and Moldova are well on track towards opening of accession negotiations”.
The parliament “welcomes recommendation to grant candidate status to Georgia and to open accession talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina once conditions are met”, she said.
Updated
Progress 'largely stalled' in Montenegro, commission says
The European Commission said today that “progress on EU accession reforms has largely stalled” in Montenegro as the country “has suffered from deep polarisation and political instability.”
The EU welcomes the constitution of the new parliament and the formation of the government, which we expect to swiftly demonstrate its capacity and commitment to Montenegro’s EU path and deliver on EU accession related reforms.
Overall, progress is in the accession negotiations will depend on reforms in the area of rule of law (ie meeting the interim benchmarks set out in chapters 23 and 24). Montenegro continues to fully align with the common foreign security policy.
Updated
Members of the European parliament have praised the commission’s recommendation on Georgia’s candidate status.
Pointing to the Georgian government’s “reluctance” to implement commission recommendations, the MEPs said the will of the Georgian people and some political leaders “proved to be stronger”.
We, the friends of 🇬🇪#Georgia in the European Parliament, congratulate the people of Georgia on the Commission's historic recommendation to grant the country 🇪🇺candidate status. The credit for this achievement goes to the Georgian people.
— Viola von Cramon 🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@ViolavonCramon) November 8, 2023
Our statement👇 pic.twitter.com/s1eZ1KTb1P
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Georgia 'grateful' for EU support, prime minister says
Irakli Garibashvili, Georgia’s prime minister, said the commission’s recommendation was “well-deserved” and that his country was “grateful” and “excited”.
The @EU_Commission has released a positive assessment & recommended 🇬🇪 for well-deserved 🇪🇺 Candidate Status. We're grateful for the support & excited to continue our journey towards full-fledged 🇪🇺 membership. @eucopresident @vonderleyen @OliverVarhelyi
— Irakli Garibashvili (@GharibashviliGe) November 8, 2023
The country’s foreign minister, Ilia Darchiashvili, wrote on social media:
Congratulations, Georgia! The European Commission has released a positive recommendation on granting our country candidate status. This is a clear recognition of the very intensive work done by Georgia on this important path. Together, we have showcased our strength, unity and commitment to European values. Looking forward to the final decision in December. 🇬🇪🤝🇪🇺
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'Huge amount of work': Ukrainian officials praise recommendation
Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister for European integration, said today’s recommendation was “the result of a huge amount of work” at a time of war.
‼️EU Commission recommends opening membership talks with Ukraine.
— Olga Stefanishyna (@StefanishynaO) November 8, 2023
It’s the result of a huge amount of work done by the country in war.
More comments and reflections, including on the next steps, soon.
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Moldova reforming but much left to do, EU Commission report shows
The European Commission has recommended opening accession negotiations with Moldova. In its report published today, it outlined progress made – but the document also shows that significant work still has to be done.
“On the political criteria, Moldova has continued reform efforts to strengthen democracy and the rule of law despite multiple challenges linked to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine,” the report noted.
It adds:
Moldova has some level of preparation in the fight against corruption. Some progress has been made and needs to be sustained to remove the many remaining blockages that hinder the reform processes.
There is also significant progress that has yet to be made on economic indicators.
On the economic criteria, Moldova is in between an early stage and some level of preparation in establishing a functioning market economy. The authorities have remained committed to pursuing macroeconomic stability and economic reforms in a difficult economic and social environment caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.
And on foreign policy, some progress has been made.
On external relations, Moldova is moderately prepared in the area of external relations where it made some progress during the reporting period. In the area of common, foreign, security and defence policy, the country is in between moderate and good level of preparation.
Neighbourhood has to choose where they want to go, von der Leyen emphasises
“The neighbourhood, our neighbourhood has to choose where they want to go,” the commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said in her press conference.
“And the western Balkans, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine chose very clearly where they want to go,” she added.
If you look into the report and you see the list of reforms, it shows determination, the steadfastness and the political will of the population the people.
On Moldova, she said:
I’m very confident that Moldova will move on because your track record is impressive under very difficult circumstances.
Updated
Asked why there are conditions set on negotiations opening with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ursula von der Leyen denied it was in effect resisting accession.
“We open the door very wide. We invite Bosnia and Herzogovina to go through the door.”
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Moldova undertaken 'significant' reforms, von der Leyen said
Speaking to reporters in Brussels, the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, noted that “Moldova is the subject of constant destabilisation efforts against its democracy. It also suffers the consequences of the war in Ukraine.”
Moldova, she stressed, has “undertaken significant reform efforts”.
The commission chief said, however, that “there are some remaining measures that have to be finished” and the council “could then finalise the negotiating framework and the commission will report on the progress to council in March 2024”.
Updated
Moldova welcomes Commission recommendations
Dorin Recean, Moldova’s prime minister, wrote on social media that he “strongly” welcomed the commission decision.
The EU is more than a union. It’s a family we’re determined to join. We will continue the hard work in order to comply w/ conditions & deliver tangible progress.
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European Commission recommends opening EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova
The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, announced today that the commission recommends that the council open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.
The commission also recommends the opening of EU accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina “once the necessary degree of compliance with the membership criteria is achieved”, she said.
And the commission recommends that the council grant Georgia the status of a candidate country on the understanding that certain reforms are made.
Ukraine continues to face tremendous hardship and tragedy provoked by Russia’s war of aggression, and yet the Ukrainians are deeply reforming their country, even as they are fighting a war that is existential for them.
Von der Leyen said Ukraine has completed “well over” 90% of the necessary steps outlined by the commission last year, pointing to judicial reforms and anti-corruption efforts.
The remaining reforms are already on their way, that’s good, and the commission commends these efforts. And on this basis we have recommended today that the council opens accession negotiations.
The commission, she noted, has also recommended that the council adopt a negotiating framework once Ukraine has carried out its reforms.
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Ukraine is “anticipating a historic conclusion from the European Union,” Volodymyr Zelenskiy said last night, ahead of today’s publication of the European Commission’s enlargement package.
The Ukrainian leader said: “We are already planning our next steps following this report.”
He added:
Our legislative efforts and the strengthening of state institutions. Ukraine has already come a long way toward stronger ties with the European Union. We are fully aware that EU membership relies on a political decision shared by all EU members that want to see a new state join, but it also relies on the candidate state itself and its work to approximate and adapt EU standards and community norms.
Ukraine will join the EU. And we will achieve this, in particular, as a result of our state’s internal transformation that is completely consistent with the interests of our people.
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Kosovo is ready, president says
Kosovo’s president, Vjosa Osmani, said today that “as the youngest country in Europe, we have embarked on a journey of a values-based state building and have committed ourselves to securing our rightful place in the international community”.
Kosovo is ready; Kosovo is able, and, most importantly, Kosovo delivers.
As we embrace the challenges of this new era, I am confident that the nimbleness, adaptability, and determination of our youth is what can help us stand out in this fast-paced world.
— Vjosa Osmani (@VjosaOsmaniPRKS) November 8, 2023
Kosovo is ready; Kosovo is able, and, most importantly, Kosovo delivers. pic.twitter.com/Wkhf33vDff
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Russia criticises Moldova's EU aspirations
Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of the Russian security council, argued today that Moldova’s leadership was moving toward joining the EU under pressure from the west and contrary to citizens’ preferences, Tass reported.
Moldova risks becoming another victim of western colonial policy, which is carried out openly, brazenly and cynically, in violation of norms international law and the laws of the country, including the constitution.”
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EU expected to start process of Ukraine and Moldova becoming member states
The EU is expected to fire the starting gun on the process of Ukraine and Moldova becoming member states, with a report expected to recommend formal negotiations on accession.
Moldova’s deputy prime minister, Nicolae Popescu, said such a move would be a big milestone for his country. “It will be a truly historical achievement and a truly historical chance to make sure that Moldova consolidates its place in the EU,” he said.
Late on Tuesday, Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, said that his country was “preparing our next steps” to join the bloc, including by strengthening its institutions, although he acknowledged that this would require work by Kyiv to “adapt to EU standards”.
“Ukraine will be in the EU,” Zelenskiy said, in his nightly television address.
A 1,200-page report will be published after midday on Wednesday and its recommendations will go to a summit in December for final signoff.
The report will be the first official stocktake of Ukraine and Moldova’s progress in aligning themselves with the EU on judicial governance, corruption, the economy, independence of media and rights for minority communities.
There will also be updates on seven other countries waiting to join the EU, including the Balkan states and Turkey, although its journey towards accession hit a roadblock some years ago.
Read more here.
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Welcome to the blog
Good morning and welcome back to the Europe blog.
It is a big day for the continent, as the European Commission prepares to unveil its latest enlargement package – a vast annual report that looks at how aspiring European Union members are performing on indicators ranging from the functioning of democratic institutions to their ability to assume the economic responsibilities of membership.
This year’s package is highly anticipated, as the bloc edges closer to opening accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.
Stay tuned for reactions to the European Commission’s assessments and recommendations, and send your comments to lili.bayer@theguardian.com.
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