The EU has formally launched accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova, a symbolic step previously blocked for two years by Hungary's former leader Viktor Orbán. The removal of the veto by new PM Péter Magyar starts a lengthy process of reform for the candidate nations, who must align with 35 chapters of EU law. While some propose interim "associate membership," Ukraine insists on a full-rights path to joining the bloc.
EU accession negotiations launch
- ▪Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the opening of negotiations brought "significant political and moral support" to his country
- ▪The formal launch of negotiations took place at an intergovernmental conference in Luxembourg
- ▪Ukraine and Moldova were granted EU candidate status in June 2022, shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion
- ▪The European Union officially launched accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova on June 15, 2026
- ▪The first "cluster" of negotiations focuses on the rule of law, fundamental rights, and the functioning of democratic institutions
Hungary veto removal
- ▪For about two years, Hungary's former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán vetoed all progress on Ukraine's accession talks
- ▪Hungary's lifting of its veto followed an agreement by Brussels to unlock over €16 billion in frozen EU funds for Budapest
- ▪The election defeat of Viktor Orbán in April by new Prime Minister Péter Magyar paved the way for negotiations to begin
Ukraine accession timeline
- ▪Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys has called for the EU to be ready to accept Ukraine by 2030
- ▪EU officials believe Ukraine could complete the technical talks in about four years if there is sufficient political will
- ▪The full accession process is expected to be lengthy, with some suggesting it could take 10 to 15 years
Associate membership proposal
- ▪German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposed offering Ukraine "associate membership" without voting rights as an interim step
- ▪Ukraine is skeptical of interim solutions, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insisting on full membership with all rights
- ▪The "associate membership" proposal has not gained wide support among other EU national capitals
EU enlargement reform debate
- ▪The concept of "staged membership," where candidates participate in some EU policies before full accession, has gained some traction
- ▪The accession bids of Ukraine, Moldova, and other countries have prompted a broader push to reform the EU's enlargement process
- ▪Six EU countries, including Germany and France, have urged discussions on limiting voting rights for new members
Practical alignment requirements
- ▪The reform plan includes strengthening anti-corruption agencies and reforming the appointment processes for judges and prosecutors
- ▪To join the EU, a country must adopt thousands of European laws across 35 policy "chapters" grouped into six "clusters."
- ▪EU officials estimate Ukraine has completed only 15% of the reforms in a 10-point plan agreed in December
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