Credits to the owner
LUXEMBOURG — The European Union has officially launched accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, marking a significant step for the two ex-Soviet states toward EU membership—a move staunchly opposed by Russia.
This pivotal decision, made on Tuesday, reflects the EU’s confidence in Ukraine’s future despite ongoing conflicts with Russia, nearly two and a half years into Moscow’s invasion. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal, addressing the talks via videolink, described the event as a new chapter in Ukraine-EU relations. President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed it as a “historic day” and reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to joining the EU.
Both Ukraine and Moldova applied for EU membership following Russia’s assault in February 2022. The initiation of these talks marks the start of a lengthy reform process in Ukraine, fraught with political challenges and potential delays. Russia’s destabilizing efforts and skepticism from within the EU, notably from Hungary, add to these hurdles.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the commencement of talks, calling it “very good news for the people of Ukraine, Moldova, and the entire European Union.” She acknowledged the challenges ahead but emphasized the opportunities.
Ukraine has been commended for its efforts in implementing reforms to reduce corruption and political interference, even amid the ongoing war. Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s lead negotiator, expressed confidence in completing the necessary reforms by 2030 to join the EU.
Russia’s aggression has reinvigorated the EU’s expansion ambitions, with candidate status recently granted to Georgia and ongoing accession negotiations with Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia. The meetings with Ukraine and Moldova will initiate a process of evaluating the countries’ compliance with EU standards and identifying required reforms.
The EU aims to advance these talks before Hungary, known for its pro-Russian stance, assumes the EU’s rotating presidency next month. Hungary’s Europe Minister Janos Boka expressed skepticism, stating that Ukraine is “very far from meeting the accession criteria.”
Incorporating Ukraine, a nation of about 40 million people, poses significant challenges and calls for the EU to undertake internal reforms before accepting new members. Ukraine’s pursuit of EU membership has historical significance, tracing back to the 2014 protests sparked by desires for closer EU ties, which escalated into the current crisis with Russia.
The negotiations also come at a critical time for Moldova, with warnings from the U.S., Britain, and Canada about a potential Russian plot to influence Moldova’s presidential elections in October. Moldova’s pro-Western government frequently accuses the Kremlin of interference, with President Maia Sandu alleging Moscow’s destabilizing efforts ahead of the elections.
The EU’s decision to begin membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova underscores its commitment to supporting these nations despite Russian opposition and internal EU challenges.
