EU agrees to open membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova

All member states have agreed to open the first cluster of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a joint social media post on June 12.

The negotiations will resume from June 15, starting with discussions on fundamental principles, including the rule of law criteria that Ukraine and Moldova must meet.

The announcement came after the new government of Hungary decided to end its use of veto power over Ukraine's accession efforts. This policy was in place under former prime minister Viktor Orban, who lost the election in April.

Mr. Costa and Ms. von der Leyen praised the decision as "recognition of the determination, courage, and reform efforts" of Ukraine and Moldova, despite the significant challenges they face. "Enlarging the union is a strategic choice. In a world of unpredictable volatility, a stronger EU will bring common benefits to all of us," the two leaders stated.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the EU's decision, calling it important political and spiritual support for the country and its people. "We are defending ourselves and, in doing so, defending all of Europe," he said.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu declared that her country is ready to open all negotiation clusters for accession, affirming that Chisinau has completed the necessary work and will continue to push for reforms.

Ukraine's accession negotiations were launched in June 2024. This is a complex process, often lasting many years with detailed discussions on various fields, from agriculture to the rule of law. The move at the time was primarily symbolic, showing strong EU support for Ukraine after the conflict erupted in 2022.

Under Mr. Orban, Hungary repeatedly hindered Ukraine's EU accession process. However, new Prime Minister Peter Magyar withdrew the objection after reaching an agreement with Kyiv on the rights of the ethnic Hungarian community in Ukraine, an issue that had long caused tension between the two neighboring countries.

Nevertheless, Mr. Magyar affirmed that Hungary does not support accelerating Ukraine's accession to the EU. He stated that opening the first negotiation cluster is just the beginning, citing the case of Montenegro, which began accession negotiations in 2012 but has yet to become an EU member state.