Ukrainian and Moldovan presidents congratulate each other on historic European Commission decision

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Moldovan President Maia Sandu have had a telephone conversation in which they exchanged congratulations on the European Commission’s recommendation that negotiations on both countries’ accession to the EU should begin.

Source: Zelenskyy on Twitter (X); European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy noted that this is a "historic" day. He said he and Sandu had exchanged congratulations on the European Commission’s recommendation that EU membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova should begin, and agreed to coordinate their next steps.

Quote from Sandu: "Our countries celebrate an important milestone today… I extend my congratulations to Ukraine and its people on this achievement."

More details: Zelenskyy said they had also talked about the implementation of the Peace Formula proposed by Ukraine, and that he had thanked Sandu for sending a representative of Moldova to the recent meeting of advisers in Malta.

They also spoke about Ukraine's assistance in evacuating Moldovan citizens from Gaza, and Maia Sandu once again expressed her gratitude for Kyiv's assistance in this process.

Background: 

• In a report published on 8 November, the European Commission recommended starting accession negotiations with Ukraine, but Kyiv must implement further reforms.
• The Commission also recommended opening negotiations with Moldova but, as in the case of Ukraine, with conditions.
• The EC is in favour of granting Georgia candidate status, provided that Tbilisi takes a number of steps.

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