Ukraine, Moldova begin first phase of EU accession talks

Ukraine and Moldova are set to take an important step toward European Union membership on June 15, as they begin the first phase of accession negotiations.

The launch of substantive talks, led by senior EU officials and ministers from both countries in Luxembourg, marks a symbolic milestone for the two former Soviet republics, Caliber.Az reports, citing The Guardian.

It comes amid continued Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and ongoing heavy battlefield losses with limited territorial gains.

Both countries were granted EU candidate status in 2022 shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Although a political decision to open negotiations was taken in June 2024, the process had been blocked by Hungary’s then prime minister Viktor Orbán.

The formation of a new Hungarian government in April cleared the way for EU member states to unanimously agree last Friday to open “the first cluster” of negotiations — covering rule of law and democratic standards. This initial stage paves the way for discussions on other policy areas, including the single market, environment, and economic and social policy.

In a joint statement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa praised “the determination, courage and hard work shown by both countries in advancing reforms, even in the face of immense challenges,” adding that “enlargement is a strategic choice.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the development, saying Ukraine was fulfilling its commitments and that the EU was “keeping its word,” describing the opening of the first cluster as “significant political and moral support” for Ukraine.

Heather Grabbe, a former European Commission adviser on enlargement and senior fellow at the Bruegel think tank, said the move marked the real start of the accession process.

She noted that while politically significant, the talks would also serve as a reality check for Ukraine, stressing that adopting and enforcing EU law would take time and carry substantial administrative costs.

To join the EU, candidate countries must implement thousands of EU laws and regulations and secure unanimous approval from all member states.

EU officials have praised both Ukraine and Moldova for their reform efforts. However, they have also expressed concern that Kyiv has only completed around 15% of a 10-point reform plan agreed last December, which includes strengthening anti-corruption bodies and reforming judicial appointment systems.

Officials believe that, with sufficient political will, Ukraine could complete technical negotiations within roughly four years, though final membership remains a political decision.

A proposal by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for “associate membership” as an interim step has not gained traction among EU capitals. However, Ukraine and other candidates are already participating in some EU policies, reflecting growing interest in phased integration.

Grabbe argued the EU should prioritise security integration with Ukraine, noting its battlefield experience and military capabilities.

She warned that alienating Ukraine could pose long-term risks for European security, adding that the EU and Ukraine are mutually dependent in ensuring stability on the continent.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov