Ukraine Is Set to Begin Process , of Joining European Union.
On Nov.
8, the European Commission said that the process of accession should begin with both Ukraine and Moldova next year, CNN reports.
Today is a historic day, because today the Commission recommends that the Council opens accession negotiations with Ukraine and with Moldova.
, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, via statement .
The bloc "accepted Ukraine as a candidate state" nearly 18 months ago, CNN reports.
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Ukraine has reportedly aspired to join the EU for over a decade.
In 2013, then-President Viktor Yanukovych abandoned a trade deal with the EU and turned toward Russia, which ultimately led to his ousting.
Ukraine's constitution has formally held the goals of joining the EU and NATO since 2019.
President Volodymyr Zelensky applied for EU membership prior to Russia's 2022 invasion.
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The European Commission said that the "Ukrainian government and Parliament demonstrated resolve in making substantial progress on meeting the 7 steps" for negotiating to begin.
But since Ukraine is currently at war, it will be difficult for the country to meet the conditions to join the bloc at this time.
Ukrainian officials have also expressed concern that the Israel-Hamas war will detract attention from their needs and goals.
The terrorist attacks in Israel are just another war, just another crisis, diverting public attention in the U.S. and to some extent in Europe.
, Senior adviser to Zelensky, via CNN.
As far as the conflict goes, it’s in the interest of Russia for another front to be open.
Any other international crisis means resources pulled away from us.
Which is good for the new axis of Russia, Iran and North Korea.
, Senior adviser to Zelensky, via CNN
