EU agrees to open first chapter of accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova, formal launch set for Monday
All 27 member states have agreed to launch the opening cluster of negotiations, focusing on fundamental principles from rule of law to democratic institutions.
The European Union has taken a decisive step toward expanding its borders eastward after all member states reached an agreement on 12 June to formally open the first chapters of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. The announcement was made jointly by European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a statement that set the stage for an intergovernmental conference on Monday, 15 June.
Today, the European Union (EU) took a major step forward. All member states agreed to open the first chapters of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.
The decision marks the official start of a process that will confront both candidate countries with the EU's acquis communautaire, beginning with the cluster on fundamentals—described by Brussels as the backbone of the accession process.
The fundamentals cluster
The first cluster covers the core values and principles on which the Union is built. In their joint statement, Costa and von der Leyen explained that it spans the rule of law to strong democratic institutions. The opening of this chapter was possible only after a political deadlock was resolved in Budapest.
It is also a sign that the EU's offer of peace, stability and opportunities is unmatched. Enlargement is a strategic choice. By bringing our nations closer, we strengthen peace, security and prosperity across our entire continent.
The formal launch comes after member states gave a green light on 3 June to begin preparations for the first round of formal talks.
Hungary lifts its veto
Ukraine's path had been blocked for months by the previous Hungarian government led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Orbán consistently objected to Kyiv's accession, citing concerns over the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine. Following Orbán's defeat in the 12 April legislative elections, the new prime minister, Péter Magyar, chose to lift the veto after reaching what he called a "historic agreement" with Kyiv on minority rights protections.
What comes next
The intergovernmental conference on Monday will formally open the fundamentals chapter, launching what is expected to be a lengthy and complex negotiation process. Both countries must demonstrate alignment with EU standards across 35 policy chapters before they can join the bloc.
- Viktor Orbán's government loses Hungarian election; his veto on Ukraine's accession is in doubt
- Member states give green light to prepare for first round of formal negotiations
- All member states agree to open first cluster of accession talks
- Intergovernmental conference formally opens the fundamentals chapter
Costa and von der Leyen described enlargement as one of the EU's greatest success stories and the best investment in the shared future of European nations. "In a world marked by growing uncertainty, a wider EU is in the common interest of all of us," they stated.
