The EU has opened membership talks with Ukraine. Here's why that matters
Ukraine scored an unexpected political victory Thursday as European Union leaders voted to open membership talks with the country. Why is this a surprise, and what happens next?
![The EU has opened membership talks with Ukraine. Here's why that matters](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7060168.1702605772!/cpImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/belgium-eu-summit.jpg)
![European Council President Charles Michel makes a statement to the media regarding opening accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova during an EU summit in Brussels, Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. European Union leaders, in a two-day summit are discussing the latest developments in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and continued EU support for Ukraine and its people. A man in a suit, speaking while making hand gestures, stands in front of a crowd of reporters.](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7060168.1702605772!/cpImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/belgium-eu-summit.jpg)
Ukraine scored an unexpected political victory Thursday as European Union leaders voted to open membership talks with the country. Why is this a surprise, and what happens next?