EU agrees 'in principle' on beginning Ukraine, Moldova accession talks
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Formal approval of the decision is expected from EU ministers during a meeting on June 21.
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European Union flags flap in the wind outside EU headquarters in Brussels, Friday, April 5, 2024. (AP)
Ambassadors from the European Union's 27 member states on Friday "agreed in principle" to initiate accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova starting June 25, announced the Belgian presidency of the EU's Council.
"Ambassadors agreed in principle on the negotiating frameworks for the accession negotiations of Ukraine and Moldova. The Belgian presidency will call the first intergovernmental conferences on 25 June," it said.
Ambassadors agreed in principle on the negotiating frameworks for the accession negotiations of Ukraine 🇺🇦 and Moldova 🇲🇩.
— Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU 2024 (@EU2024BE) June 14, 2024
The Belgian presidency will call the first intergovernmental conferences on 25 June.
Formal approval of the decision is expected from EU ministers during a meeting on June 21, pending consent from the Dutch parliament.
Both Ukraine and neighboring Moldova submitted applications to join the bloc shortly after the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022.
Several EU countries have been advocating for the bloc to officially commence negotiations on June 25 following the landmark decision to open talks in December. However, opposition from Hungary, known for its close ties with Russia, poses a challenge as unanimous support from member states is required.
Hungary assumes the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union in July, prompting concerns that progress could be delayed, and potential additional opposition might arise from the new right-wing government in The Netherlands.
Budapest has expressed skepticism regarding the European Commission's evaluation of Ukraine's readiness. Belgium and the Commission were eager to secure this agreement before Hungary assumes the rotating presidency on July 1 for a six-month term.
But the agreement signifies that Hungary has temporarily set aside its objections to Ukraine advancing toward EU membership.
European Council President Charles Michel welcomed the agreement in a message on the social media platform X, saying, "We keep our promises and we will support you along the way to membership."
I welcome the in principle agreement on the negotiating frameworks for accession negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova.
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) June 14, 2024
Look forward to the first intergovernmental conferences with both.
We keep our promises and we will support you along the way to membership. https://t.co/rVwUIO1ILT
Earlier this month, the European Commission confirmed that Ukraine had fulfilled outstanding requirements, including efforts to reduce the influence of oligarchs and improve the rights of ethnic minorities.
Initiating negotiations would position Ukraine at the beginning of a likely multi-year process of reforms before potential EU membership.
In December 2023, the EU granted candidate status to Georgia and commenced accession talks with Bosnia. Negotiations are also ongoing with Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia.
Read more: EU group may kick out Hungary for refusing to aid Ukraine
