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European Council President: decision on accession negotiations with Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia to start by end of year

At a press briefing with the Moldovan President, Michel said he hoped a “positive decision” would be made in the talks. Photo: Reuters

Agenda.ge, 29 Mar 2023 - 12:46, Tbilisi,Georgia

European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday said the Council of the European Union must make a decision on starting the process of negotiations on the accession of Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia to the bloc by the end of this year.

At a press briefing with the Moldovan President, Michel said he hoped a “positive decision” would be made in the talks.

The EU official noted the European Commission was due to publish its report on the accession process with a focus on European perspectives for the three countries as well as states of the Western Balkans.

“I would like to confirm that I intend to raise this issue before the European Council by the end of the year. This means that by the end of the year, the Council must make a decision on the issue of starting the process of accession negotiations with these countries”, Michel said.

The official stressed the decision on the matter would be a “political” one and take into account the Commission’s report.

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