European Union: EU wants to start accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova

The European Union has cleared the path for accession talks with both Ukraine and Moldova, marking a significant step toward potential membership for the two Eastern European nations. EU ambassadors from the 27 member states have initiated the process to formally open the first negotiating bloc in accession talks.

This move sends a "clear signal" that the future of both Ukraine and Moldova "lies within the family of the European Union," stated Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee, whose country will assume the rotating EU presidency in July. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos emphasized that it is time to "accelerate" Moldova's and Ukraine's path to EU membership.

Hungary, which had previously blocked progress, has now lifted its long-standing opposition. This change follows an agreement concerning the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine. The accord includes provisions for restoring an ethnic minority school system, allowing ethnic Hungarians to use their native language in instruction, take exams in Hungarian, and use Hungarian national symbols during celebrations.

Despite lifting the veto, Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar cautioned against expectations of an accelerated accession process for Ukraine. He indicated that Hungary might hold a referendum on Ukraine's potential accession. Magyar is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy next week to discuss these matters further.