Czech PM welcomes EC decision to start accession talks with Ukraine, Moldova

Prime Minister Petr Fiala has welcomed the decision of the European Council to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. The Czech head of government described the decision as "a big step forward and a great success for Europe and EU". He said that starting accession talks with Ukraine was an important signal that the EU is interested in the future of the country. Mr. Fiala added that Thursday's European Council meeting was one of the most difficult he had ever attended. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who was vehemently opposed to starting accession talks with Ukraine, eventually left the negotiating table, unblocking the EU’s decision.