Ukraine Is Set to Begin Process , of Joining European Union.<br />On Nov. 8, the European Commission said that <br />the process of accession should begin with both <br />Ukraine and Moldova next year, CNN reports.<br />Today is a historic day, because <br />today the Commission <br />recommends that the Council <br />opens accession negotiations <br />with Ukraine and with Moldova. , European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, via statement .<br />The bloc "accepted Ukraine as a candidate state" nearly 18 months ago, CNN reports. .<br />Ukraine has reportedly aspired <br />to join the EU for over a decade.<br />In 2013, then-President Viktor Yanukovych abandoned a trade deal with the EU and turned toward Russia, which ultimately led to his ousting.<br />Ukraine's constitution has formally held the goals of joining the EU and NATO since 2019.<br />President Volodymyr Zelensky applied for EU membership prior to Russia's 2022 invasion. .<br />The European Commission said that <br />the "Ukrainian government and Parliament demonstrated resolve in making substantial progress on meeting the 7 steps" for negotiating to begin.<br />But since Ukraine is currently at war, it will <br />be difficult for the country to meet the conditions to join the bloc at this time.<br />Ukrainian officials have also expressed concern that the Israel-Hamas war will detract attention from their needs and goals.<br />The terrorist attacks in Israel are <br />just another war, just another crisis, <br />diverting public attention in the U.S. <br />and to some extent in Europe. , Senior adviser to Zelensky, via CNN.<br />As far as the conflict goes, it’s in <br />the interest of Russia for another front <br />to be open. Any other international <br />crisis means resources pulled away from <br />us. Which is good for the new axis <br />of Russia, Iran and North Korea. , Senior adviser to Zelensky, via CNN
