History is made by those who don’t get tired of fighting for freedom. Volodymyr Zelenski
The EU agreed to open membership discussions with Moldova and Ukraine. The EU also agreed to candidate status for Georgia. Germany’s Olaf Scholz suggested to Hungary’s Victor Orban that he leave the room as the other 26 members cast their votes and he did. The summit held in Brussels was the last to be held in 2023.
A number of other European Union leaders have joined the chorus welcoming the start of EU accession talks for Ukraine and Moldova.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said the vote was a proud moment for Ukraine, Moldova and Europe.
"We kept our promises. We made history. Now we will write the future together," she said.
"In fairness to Prime Minister Orban, he made his case, made it very strongly. He disagrees with this decision and he's not changing his opinion in that sense, but essentially decided not to use the veto power," Varadkar said.
"I have to say, I respect the fact that he didn't do that, because it would have put us in a very difficult position as a European Union," the Irish leader added.
Meanwhile, Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo instead suggested that Orban "didn't use his veto because he realized that it would be indefensible."
In a separate post on DW, it was reported that Germany’s Olaf Scholz was responsible for asking Orban to leave the room.
DW's Jack Parrock said there had been a "crazy few hours" at the final EU summit of the year because Orban had threatened to veto any support for Kyiv.
"The idea for him to leave the room was actually an initiative by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz," said Parrock.
"It is possible to overcome unanimity by one leader leaving the room, and essentially what they call it is a 'constructive abstention'."
"They're not in the room, the other leaders can move forward, and that means they can open the accession talks with Ukraine."
In an additional DW post on the meeting, Georgia was granted candidate status.
Georgia's President Salome Zourabichvili has hailed the decision by the European Union to officially grant her country candidate status.
This is the last step before membership talks can begin.
"Today signifies a monumental milestone for Georgia and our European family!" she said on social media.
"The unwavering will of the Georgian people has spoken, leading to the well-deserved attainment of candidate status."
Too bad so sad for Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. Three wins for democracy today.
Freedom N’awlins style.