EU Opens Membership Talks with Ukraine and Moldova, Grants Candidacy Status to Georgia

Move seen as 'historic step' by Moldova and Georgia, but Russia criticizes it as 'absolutely politicized'.

European Union leaders have agreed to open membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, and to grant candidacy status to Georgia, despite strong opposition from Hungary and Russia.
Thousands of Georgians gathered in the country’s capital Tbilisi to celebrate the EU's decision, viewing it as a security guarantee and a path to economic strength.
Moldova's President Maia Sandu and Prime Minister Dorin Recean have also hailed the decision as a 'historic step for the destiny of our country', inviting citizens to a pro-European gathering.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized the move as 'absolutely politicized', driven by the EU's 'desire to annoy Russia further and antagonize these countries towards Russia'.
Despite the celebrations, experts warn that the path to full membership could take decades and the countries need to tackle corruption, organized crime, and strengthen the rule of law.