Ukraine, Moldova begin EU accession talks after years of delays

Ukraine and Moldova are set to commence the initial phase of their European Union accession negotiations on Monday, following a vote by EU leaders to open the first cluster of talks. This significant step comes after both former Soviet republics were granted EU candidate status in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

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The European Union has confirmed its readiness to open the first cluster, and this gives new momentum to our negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union.

Negotiations were previously stalled by Hungary under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, but have now been cleared for advancement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Kyiv will open six clusters of negotiations, emphasizing that the EU has confirmed its readiness to begin. "The European Union has confirmed its readiness to open the first cluster, and this gives new momentum to our negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union," Zelensky stated. He added, "That is why the fate of Europe is being decided here – it is being decided in Ukraine, in this war, and in how this war ends, and whether Russia will still have the strength and the desire after this war to threaten the existence of Ukraine and its other neighbors, and the entirety of Europe."

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That is why the fate of Europe is being decided here – it is being decided in Ukraine, in this war, and in how this war ends, and whether Russia will still have the strength and the desire after this war to threaten the existence of Ukraine and its other neighbors, and the entirety of Europe.

European Commission President Ursula von Der Leyen highlighted that the initial cluster focuses on the "fundamentals" of EU accession. She noted this as a "recognition of the determination, courage, and hard work shown by both countries in advancing reforms, even in the face of immense challenges." Von Der Leyen also commented, "In a world marked by growing uncertainty, a larger European Union is in our common interest."

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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.

To achieve full membership, both Moldova and Ukraine must integrate thousands of European laws into their own legal systems and secure unanimous approval from all 27 member states. Both nations view EU membership as a crucial strategy to bolster their defenses against Russian influence and military aggression. Ukraine, in particular, has been working to counter corruption, including the recent arrest of Zelensky's former chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, on suspicion of money laundering. However, EU representatives continue to urge Kyiv to expedite priority reforms, especially in strengthening anti-corruption bodies and overhauling judicial appointment processes.

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In a world marked by growing uncertainty, a larger European Union is in our common interest.