Senior EU officials and ministers from both countries open the first round of negotiations in Luxembourg on Monday, as the Guardian reports. It marks the start of the so-called ‘first cluster’ talks, focusing on rule of law and democracy. Only once this area is completed can further chapters such as the single market, environment or economic policy follow.
The start of substantive negotiations is a highly symbolic moment for the two former Soviet republics. Ukraine and Moldova were granted EU candidate status in 2022, shortly after Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine. Although the EU symbolically decided to open talks in June 2024, Hungary’s then pro-Russian prime minister Viktor Orbán blocked substantive negotiations.
Only the election of a new Hungarian government in April cleared the way. Last Friday, EU member states unanimously voted to open the first negotiation chapter. In a joint statement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa praised ‘the determination, courage and hard work both countries have shown in implementing reforms – even in the face of enormous challenges.’ EU enlargement is a strategic decision, they said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the step: ‘Ukraine does what is necessary, and it is important that the EU also keeps its word. The opening of the first cluster is significant political and moral support for our state and our people.’ The talks come at a time when Russia has intensified its bombardment of Ukrainian towns and cities while sustaining heavy losses for little territorial gain.
EuroPulse reported on the start of EU accession negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova on June 14, 2026, here.
Source: www.theguardian.com
