ec.europa.eu/avservices/avs/files/video6/repository/prod/photo/store/store2/1/P062661-785278.jpg" alt="President Michel, Prime Minister Sánchez, and President von der Leyen" width="600">On 14-15 December, the European Council has decided to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. It is a landmark moment for the people of both countries, who have consistently shown their European conviction, even as Russia continues to wage its war of aggression against Ukraine and undermine democracy in Moldova.
The decision is in line with the Commission's recommendation presented in its enlargement report in November. President Ursula von der Leyen celebrated the decision and highlighted the strategic dimension of the moment: "The reasons for enlargement today have never been stronger and more compelling. In a world that is shaken by multiple crises, it is an investment in stability and security of our continent. It is also an investment in prosperity for our continent," the President said at the summit's closing press conference.
As recommended by the Commission, EU Leaders also decided to grant Georgia the status of candidate country and restated that they will open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina once the necessary degree of compliance with the membership criteria is achieved.
The European Council also reiterated its commitment to the European future of the six Western Balkans partners.
President von der Leyen reminded of the need to agree on a revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Amidst the successive crises that have hit in the last years, the President said that the EU has extensively mobilised its budget to provide the necessary support and answers. "But we have now come to the limits of our budget to answer these unexpected crises," she stressed.
The President described again the Commission's proposal for targeted reinforcements in a limited number of priority areas, including the EU's support to Ukraine, migration, and the EU's competitiveness.
Despite strong agreement by 26 Member States on providing additional financing for those priorities, unanimity was not reached. EU Leaders would revert to this matter at the beginning of next year, and President von der Leyen ensured that, whatever the outcome at the next European Council meeting, there will be "an operational solution".
President von der Leyen commends Spain for the "excellent Spanish Presidency over the last six months"
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez joined Presidents von der Leyen and Michel at the press conference to take stock of the past six months during which Spain held the Presidency of the Council of the EU.
President von der Leyen thanked the Prime Minister for the work and the cooperation: "Thanks to your dedication and to your commitment, I think we brought a large number of key files past the finish line. Some of them are crucial for our future economic competitiveness."
The President commended the Spanish Presidency notably for the recent agreement on the Artificial Intelligence Act, and on the Critical Raw Materials Act. She also highlighted the progress achieved on the Net-Zero Industry Act, and on the Pact on Migration and Asylum. On the latter, she expressed hope that an important political agreement will be reached before the end of the year: "This would complete the extraordinary track record of this Presidency."
