EU opens membership accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova
The European Union formally opened membership accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova , beginning the first of 35 policy chapters both candidates must close over a process expected to run for years. The opening cluster covers foundational areas — judiciary and fundamental rights; justice, freedom and security; public procurement; and financial control — that the bloc treats as the core test of a candidate’s institutions.
The talks were unblocked after Hungary, which had stalled Ukraine’s bid for more than a year, lifted its veto following the change of government in Budapest. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the move a “major milestone.” For Kyiv, which continues to fight the Russian invasion, membership is framed as a long-term security anchor as much as an economic one; for Moldova it marks a decisive tilt away from Moscow’s influence.
Opening negotiations is a political signal rather than an admission date. Each chapter requires unanimous approval from existing members to open and close, leaving room for individual capitals to slow the process, and accession typically takes many years to complete.