European Parliament president urges EU leaders to begin accession talks with Ukraine, Moldova

BRUSSELS. Dec 14 (Interfax) - Ukraine and Moldova have met the criteria required for beginning negotiations on their accession to the European Union, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola said.

"In the past year and a half, Ukraine has advanced quickly in meeting all of its objectives by adopting the necessary legislation and reforms, even in the most difficult of conditions. The same is true for Moldova. [...] The time is now to live up to our promise. To show unity and solidarity. To show courage and resolve. To show that this can be a win-win situation for all. Opening EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova is the next step," Metsola said in a traditional speech to EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday.

While admitting that "this is not easy for some around this table" to make this decision, Metsola insisted that "it is not a decision borne out of political expediency."

"It is a decision based on merit, on respect for our criteria, on each nation having its own path towards the objective goals we set for them. The global geopolitical situation means that there is also a price of inaction," Metsola said.

"A window of opportunity has opened for all of us. We should not slam it shut," she said.

The European Union is "at the threshold of another historic moment for our union," she said.

Speaking about the preparations the candidate countries should make in order to join the EU, Metsola said the European Parliament is willing to make its contribution to their efforts.

"Just recently we signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding for parliamentary democracy support between our two Parliaments. It is a practical way in which we as the European Parliament can help Ukraine prepare for future EU accession," she said.

The same concerns Moldova, and programs supporting democracy and the close partnership between the European Parliament and the Moldovan parliament "are already proving valuable for Moldova's European path," Metsola said.

"Enlargement is our strongest geopolitical, strategic and future-oriented investment. Its transformative ability is something we all know well. A merit-based enlargement strengthens our continent, our union and our way of life," she said.

At the same time, Metsola insisted on continuing political, military, humanitarian, and financial support for Ukraine amid the complicated situation. "As much as it is a moral obligation, it is a strategic one, too. It is also strategic that we come to an agreement on the new 50 billion [euro] Ukraine Facility that the European Parliament voted on in October," she said.