"Very pleasing."
So comments Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) on the EU Commission's announcement that Ukraine and Moldova have met the criteria to initiate talks on EU membership.
"Sweden has for decades supported Ukraine's and Moldova's EU approximation. Ukraine and Moldova belong in the EU", says Kristersson in a written statement to TT.
A strong EU is an important protection against Russia, the Prime Minister believes. He welcomes the future addition:
"To the people of Ukraine and Moldova, I want to say: Welcome home to Europe! Another important step has been taken today."
Many steps and probably many years remain before the countries can become members. After the EU Commission's announcement, the member states must now also agree before formal negotiations can begin. Hungary is expected to lodge a veto against Ukraine's EU membership.
