Costa: EU opens formal accession talks with Ukraine

The European Union has taken a “historic step” by opening formal accession negotiations with Ukraine, marking a significant milestone in the country’s long-term path toward EU membership.

European Council President António Costa announced the decision in a post on X, describing it as a major development for Ukraine’s European future, Caliber.Az reports. 

“Today, we are taking a historic step towards Ukraine's future within the EU, by opening formal negotiations for its accession,” Costa wrote.

Today, we are taking a historic step towards Ukraine's future within the EU, by opening formal negotiations for its accession.

A united and determined @G7 is essential to help bring this war to an end and achieve a just and lasting peace.#G7Evian pic.twitter.com/1dGz2SSdtV

— António Costa (@eucopresident) June 15, 2026

He also emphasised the importance of coordinated international support in efforts to end the ongoing war in Ukraine and establish a lasting peace.

“A united and determined G7 is essential to help bring this war to an end and achieve a just and lasting peace,” he added.

Ukraine was granted candidate status in 2022, shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion, and has since been pursuing reforms aligned with EU standards while continuing to seek stronger political and military support from Western partners.

By Sabina Mammadli