EU to Open Accession Talks with Ukraine and Moldova
The European Union will begin formal accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova on Monday, after member states agreed to open the first cluster of talks, according to multiple reports. The decision, confirmed by ambassadors from the 27 EU nations at a meeting in Brussels on Friday, paves the way for intergovernmental conferences in Luxembourg, where the first negotiating cluster will be launched.
The move marks a significant milestone for both countries, which were accepted as EU candidates in 2022 following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. EU leaders had agreed to open accession talks in December 2023, but negotiations were put on hold due to opposition from Hungary's then-prime minister, Viktor Orbán.
Coverage Comparison
The news was reported across multiple outlets with consistent details. Al Jazeera reported that the accession process for Ukraine and Moldova will launch next week, following the ambassadors' agreement. Deutsche Welle noted that the European Council agreed to open the first cluster of chapters, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urging EU leaders to fast-track Ukraine's membership. France 24 highlighted the resumption of talks after Hungary lifted its veto. The Guardian emphasized the symbolic significance of the moment, noting that both countries were part of the former Soviet Union. The Jerusalem Post reported that the EU's 27 member countries voted to open the first cluster, with negotiations set to begin in Luxembourg on Monday.
Key Claims
The decision to open the first cluster of accession negotiations was confirmed by European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a joint social media post. They praised the "determination, courage and hard work shown by both countries in advancing reforms, even in the face of immense challenges," and described enlargement as "a strategic choice." The opening cluster, known as the "Fundamentals," covers issues related to democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights.
The talks were previously blocked by Hungary's former government led by Viktor Orbán, who opposed Ukraine's membership bid. Hungary's new prime minister, Peter Magyar, agreed to drop the veto after reaching an agreement with Ukraine on measures to strengthen the rights of the ethnic Hungarian minority in the country. According to TASS, Magyar confirmed that Ukraine has included the provisions of the bilateral agreement in its action plan for EU accession, and warned that if Ukraine fails to fulfill its obligations, the process will be stopped.
The accession process is expected to be lengthy and complex. Reports indicate that it involves negotiations across 33 chapters grouped into six clusters, and typically takes years or even decades. The European Commission recommended starting negotiations two years ago, but Hungary's opposition delayed the process.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the opening of the first cluster is "significant political and moral support for our state and our people," and stressed that Ukraine is "doing what is necessary" to advance its bid. He has also urged EU leaders to fast-track Ukraine's membership, arguing that the future of Europe is being decided in Ukraine's defense.
Poland's Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski cautioned that the start of negotiations does not guarantee a successful conclusion, noting that some areas will be "very difficult." He also pointed out that Poland, as an EU member with veto power, is in an advantageous position in the negotiations.
Perspectives
European Union: EU leaders have framed the opening of accession talks as a recognition of Ukraine's and Moldova's reform efforts and a strategic investment in a larger, more stable Europe.
Ukraine: President Zelenskyy sees the talks as an important step toward eventual membership, which Ukraine views as a security guarantee for a stable future once the war with Russia ends.
Hungary: Prime Minister Peter Magyar has said that the start of negotiations is only the first step in a long process, and that Hungary will monitor Ukraine's compliance with its obligations, particularly regarding the rights of the Hungarian minority. He has also expressed opposition to an accelerated path for Ukraine's accession.
Poland: Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has warned that the negotiations will be difficult in some areas, and that their successful conclusion is not guaranteed.