Moldova, Georgia Celebrate Key EU Membership Advancements

Georgians with with a EU flag gather to celebrate Georgia's EU candidacy at Liberty Square in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. Several thousand people attend a march in support of Georgia's

Oh, what a day to be in the heartlands of Eastern Europe! A sense of jubilation dances through the air, fluttering whispers leaving the lips of Moldovan and Georgian parliamentarians like a secret too exciting to contain. Why? Ah reader, the European Union's bigwigs just dangled a carrot these nations' noses - one too delicious to resist.

The European Union has beckoned Moldova and Georgia towards its metaphorical table, graced by 27 member countries. In a cheeky twist of diplomatic high drama, these two hopefuls now see solid stepping stones manifest on the roadmap to destinies that involves clubbing with Europe's bigwigs. A vision that comes despite childishly resistant opposition from Hungary and the looming shadow of Russia. A waltz directed by the hands of fate, this surprised many - I am sure, including Thursday's soup lady!

In comedic illustration, we could think of Moldova and Georgia as elated debutantes, showcasing the EU's flags with pride, and reverberating the bloc's anthem like the sweetest serenade of yore. The news permeates the air from Tbilisi to Chisinau, filling hearts with hope and squares with celebratory citizens, their smiles shining brighter than the twinkling stars.

Georgians wave EU and national flags as they gather to celebrate Georgia's EU candidacy at Liberty Square in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. Several thousand people attend a march in support of Georgia's EU candidacy. European Union flags waved across Georgia Friday after the European Council took a step forward along the long road towards granting Georgia and Moldova as EU membership. (AP Photo/Zurab Tsertsadze)

Georgians with with a EU flag gather to celebrate Georgia's EU candidacy at Liberty Square in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. Several thousand people attend a march in support of Georgia's EU candidacy. European Union flags waved across Georgia Friday after the European Council took a step forward along the long road towards granting Georgia and Moldova as EU membership. (AP Photo/Zurab Tsertsadze)

Despite opposition from Hungary and Russian occupations, EU opened membership talks with Ukraine, Moldova.

Georgians with EU and national flags gather to celebrate Georgia's EU candidacy at the Rustaveli street in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. Several thousand people attend a march in support of Georgia's EU candidacy. European Union flags waved across Georgia Friday after the European Council took a step forward along the long road towards granting Georgia and Moldova as EU membership. (AP Photo/Zurab Tsertsadze)

Georgians with national flags gather to celebrate Georgia's EU candidacy at Liberty Square in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. Several thousand people attend a march in support of Georgia's EU candidacy. European Union flags waved across Georgia Friday after the European Council took a step forward along the long road towards granting Georgia and Moldova as EU membership. (AP Photo/Zurab Tsertsadze)

Russia views EU's move as politically motivated, potentially destabilizing, and an attempt to antagonize.

Georgians with EU and national flags gather to celebrate Georgia's EU candidacy at Liberty Square in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. Several thousand people attend a march in support of Georgia's EU candidacy. European Union flags waved across Georgia Friday after the European Council took a step forward along the long road towards granting Georgia and Moldova as EU membership. (AP Photo/Zurab Tsertsadze)

Georgians wave EU and national flags gather to celebrate Georgia's EU candidacy at Liberty Square in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. Several thousand people attend a march in support of Georgia's EU candidacy. European Union flags waved across Georgia Friday after the European Council took a step forward along the long road towards granting Georgia and Moldova as EU membership. (AP Photo/Zurab Tsertsadze)

Opposition in Georgia accuses the ruling party, Georgian Dream, of being pro-Russian.

A woman holds her child waving a national flag as they celebrate Georgia's EU candidacy at Liberty Square in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. Several thousand people attend a march in support of Georgia's EU candidacy. European Union flags waved across Georgia Friday after the European Council took a step forward along the long road towards granting Georgia and Moldova as EU membership. (AP Photo/Zurab Tsertsadze)

This announcement - it's nothing short of a crescendo signalling the tale of expansion. The flourish of a conductor's baton, directing a symphony dedicated to freedom, to common values, and to Europe. Now, I must mention, it's a drawn-out process, echoing with symbolism and casting long shadows on Russia's doorstep. But symbolism, my friends, can be a powerful weapon.

Look at the past lives of Moldova and Georgia, draped in the austere garments of the Soviet Union's legacy and their constant wrestle with Moscow's overbearing presence. But now they get to prance about clutching an invite to the VIP section of a Club named EU. How does Russia respond, I hear you ask? Well, let's say it's a soured cocktail of annoyance and politicised grumbles.

This dramatic saga sees no pause - it's a continuing narrative of defiance and progress. Rocket fires, energy shortages, accusations of meddling, protest marches - it all paints a tableau simultaneously chaotic, yet filled with the fervour of aspiration.

This dreamy anticipation mixes with a splash of realism - EU membership isn't just a bouquet of roses, it demands progress. A transformation is expected, shedding off the cloak of corruption and nurturing a sturdy rule of law. A few more dances to perform, certainly, but the music's playing, and it's too enticing to ignore.

And now, Georgia finds itself on the tightrope of entrenched politics. The pro-EU president locked in a silent duel with the ruling party cast under the shadow of pro-Russian sentiments. The winds of EU membership might disrupt this delicate balance, but the stage is set, and the players ready.

In this festival of political aspirations, we see a story transitioning from the echo chambers of power to the hearts of everyday citizens. It's one laced with symbolism, passion, and a touch of realism. A grand performance that captures the transformative journey of nations yearning for their place in the sun.