Ukraine and Moldova have officially begun the first phase of European Union membership negotiations, a significant milestone in their long-standing bids to join the bloc. The talks were launched at an intergovernmental conference in Luxembourg on Tuesday, with EU officials describing the event as historic.
Historic Step for Both Nations
The negotiations mark the formal start of the accession process for both countries, which applied for EU membership shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The EU granted candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova in June 2022, and the opening of negotiations follows years of reforms and preparations.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the occasion, stating that it demonstrates the EU's commitment to supporting countries that share its values. “This is a historic moment for Ukraine and Moldova, and for the European Union,” she said. “Your future is in our Union.”
Reforms and Challenges Ahead
The first phase of negotiations will focus on the so-called “fundamentals” cluster, which includes issues such as the rule of law, judicial independence, anti-corruption measures, and public administration reform. Both countries have made significant progress in these areas, but further work is needed to meet EU standards.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the start of talks as a victory for his country, despite the ongoing war with Russia. “Ukraine has proven that it can change and reform even in the most difficult conditions,” he said. Moldovan President Maia Sandu also welcomed the development, calling it a “clear signal” that Moldova belongs in the European family.
Long Road Ahead
The accession process is expected to take several years, as Ukraine and Moldova must align their laws and regulations with EU standards across 35 policy chapters. The EU has stressed that the pace of negotiations will depend on the countries' progress in implementing reforms.
The opening of talks comes amid ongoing tensions with Russia, which has opposed EU and NATO expansion in Eastern Europe. However, EU officials have insisted that the accession process is a sovereign decision of the candidate countries and the bloc.
EU Solidarity
The launch of negotiations also underscores the EU's continued solidarity with Ukraine in its war against Russia. The bloc has provided significant financial, military, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and has imposed sweeping sanctions on Moscow.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the start of talks sends a strong message of support. “This is not just about technical negotiations; it is about the future of Europe and the values we stand for,” he said.
