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European Parliament supports launching talks on EU accession with Ukraine, Moldova

The lawmakers also urged to begin similar talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina

© IMAGO/Björn Trotzki via Reuters Connect

PARIS, December 13. /TASS/. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have approved a resolution on EU enlargement policy and called on EU leaders to support the beginning of talks on accepting Ukraine and Moldova at the Brussels summit on December 14-15.

"MEPs urge the European Council to decide at its meeting on 14-15 December to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova," according to a press release following the meeting.

The lawmakers also urged to begin similar talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina. They also supported granting candidate status to Georgia "once the relevant requirements […] are fulfilled." On a separate note, they "welcome the willingness of the Government of Armenia to come closer to the European Union."

In general, the legislators are asking the EU leaders to "establish clear deadlines for the candidate countries" to accelerate the negotiation process. One of the key criteria is "that candidate and potential candidate countries demonstrate a consistent and enduring commitment to democracy, rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities, and economic reforms." The resolution’s authors called it a "strategic investment in peace and security, as well as a driver for democracy and European values across the continent.".

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