EU begins accession talks with Ukraine, marking historic milestone
The European Union inaugurated accession negotiations with Ukraine in Luxembourg. This is "a historic moment for us all, and marks a milestone in our relationship," said Hadja Lahbib, Belgium's Minister of Foreign Affairs, who currently holds the presidency of the EU Council.
Lahbib emphasised that the EU enlargement process is a geostrategic investment in peace, security, stability, and prosperity.
"It is a driver for improving the economic and social conditions of European citizens, reducing disparities between countries, and must foster the values on which the Union is founded," she said.
Ukraine's difficult path
Ukraine and Moldova have held candidate country status since June 2022. In December 2023, European Union leaders agreed to start accession negotiations.
Talks could not commence long due to the lack of so-called negotiation frameworks. The European Commission proposed these in March, but Hungary had reservations. These included issues related to the rights of national minorities, trade, and agriculture.
However, in mid-June, EU country ambassadors unanimously approved the negotiation frameworks, allowing the talks to begin.
Eight other countries, in addition to Ukraine and Moldova, have candidate status: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, Georgia, and Turkey.
