US hails EU for granting Georgia candidacy, opening accession talks with Ukraine, Moldova

The United States on Thursday hailed the European Council’s decisions involving opening EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, granting EU candidate status to Georgia, and initiating accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, pending the fulfillment of necessary criteria. 

The Department of State said the developments provided encouragement and incentive for these countries and their populations to persist in the reforms required to advance their EU aspirations. 

“This marks a historic moment for Europe and the transatlantic partnership”, the body said and claimed the US remained a strong supporter for the EU’s enlargement process and anticipated assisting EU candidate and prospective candidate countries as they pursue “essential reforms” on their journey to EU membership. 

It added “at this pivotal moment for the transatlantic community, we encourage them to seize the momentum to realize their full democratic and economic potential and secure their future in Europe”.