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EU agrees to launch Ukraine, Moldova membership talks
🇮🇪 Ireland /Economy & Trade

EU agrees to launch Ukraine, Moldova membership talks

From RTÉ News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • European Union nations have agreed to open membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova on Monday in Luxembourg.
  • This decision officially launches the accession process for both war-torn Ukraine and Moldova, aiming for eventual EU membership.
  • EU leaders described the move as a strategic choice strengthening peace and prosperity, recognizing the countries' reforms despite immense challenges.

European Union nations have agreed to open membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova next week, officially launching the process for the war-torn country to eventually join the world's biggest trading bloc. Ambassadors from the 27 EU nations decided at a Brussels meeting to officially open negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova on Monday in Luxembourg.

This is a recognition of the determination, courage and hard work shown by both countries in advancing reforms, even in the face of immense challenges.

— Antonio Costa and Ursula von der LeyenEU Council president Antonio Costa and Commission president Ursula von der Leyen issued a statement recognizing the efforts of Ukraine and Moldova.

Ukraine views EU membership as a crucial security guarantee for a stable future after the war with Russia ends. While NATO membership is seen as a stronger guarantee, its accession faces opposition. Russia strongly opposes Ukraine's potential NATO membership, citing it as a reason for its 2022 invasion, though it has not objected to EU membership for Kyiv. Ukraine applied for EU membership shortly after Russia's invasion.

To join the EU, countries must successfully navigate negotiations across 35 policy areas, a process that can span many years. An intergovernmental conference on Monday will initiate key chapters, grouped into "clusters," related to the EU's founding values and principles. EU Council president Antonio Costa and Commission president Ursula von der Leyen stated in a joint release that this move recognizes the "determination, courage and hard work" of both nations in advancing reforms amid significant challenges.

a strategic choice

— Antonio Costa and Ursula von der LeyenEU Council president Antonio Costa and Commission president Ursula von der Leyen described the decision to open membership talks as a strategic choice.

They further characterized the decision as a "strategic choice" that enhances "peace, security and prosperity across our continent" and signals that the EU's "offer of peace, stability and opportunity is unmatchable." Ukraine officially applied for EU accession less than a week after Russia's invasion in February 2022. The EU Commission has commended Ukraine for its wartime reforms, despite persistent concerns regarding corruption and justice standards.

signal that the EU’s offer of peace, stability and opportunity is unmatchable

— Antonio Costa and Ursula von der LeyenEU Council president Antonio Costa and Commission president Ursula von der Leyen stated that the membership talks signal the EU's unmatched offer of peace and stability.
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Originally published by RTÉ News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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