EU agrees to start accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova

The European Union has taken a significant step toward Ukraine's integration, agreeing to launch accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova on June 15. This decision follows the resolution of objections previously raised by Hungary, which had stalled the process.

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Today the EU has taken a major step forward.

EU ambassadors reached the agreement in Brussels, paving the way for the first phase of talks concerning policy areas. European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a joint statement, calling the decision "a major step forward" for the EU. The initial intergovernmental conference on June 15 will commence negotiations on "fundamental policy areas," which form the backbone of the accession process.

While EU leaders had agreed in principle to start accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova back in December 2023, substantive negotiations were delayed due to Hungary's opposition. This hurdle was cleared this month after Budapest and Kyiv reached an agreement regarding the rights of the Hungarian minority within Ukraine, allowing Hungary to lift its blockade.

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Ukraine is implementing the necessary actions, and importantly, the EU is honoring its promises.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the EU and its leaders for this "powerful step for Europe." He emphasized that Ukraine is undertaking the necessary actions and that the EU is honoring its promises. Zelenskyy stated that the commencement of the first phase of negotiations holds significant political and moral support for Ukraine and its people, especially as the country continues to resist Russian aggression.

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The launch of the first phase of negotiations is of great political and moral significance for the country and its people.