The EU formally opened accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.

The European Council will open accession negotiations to both Ukraine and Moldova

The European Council's decision to open EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova has been adopted.

26 countries voted to launch negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU

The vote occurred at the EU summit in Brussels in mid-December

Despite threats by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to block the negotiations, EU leaders passed the decision after the Hungarian leader reportedly left the room during the key vote.

The European Union on Thursday voted to add a list of sanctions on Moscow, including those targeting diamond and oil exports.

A meeting of EU heads of state and government was held in Brussels on December 14-15 to consider a strategic decision to start negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova on EU membership.