The European Council has agreed to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova despite concerns Hungary's Victor Orban would block the deal. European Council President Charles Michel announced on Twitter that the talks will begin after the first day of the summit in Brussels. It was also agreed to grant candidate status to Georgia whole the EU will open negotiations with Bosnia and HerzegovinaGovernment sources say Mr Orban abstained on the vote. Mr Orban left the room by agreement when it was agreed to begin negotiations on Ukraine entering the EU. However, Mr Varadkar admitted the timing of a €10bn funding package being released to Mr Orban was “not good”.

Source: Irish Independent December 15, 2023 02:00 UTC