Official announcements or financial reports from the European Union

Ukraine and Moldova Begin Formal EU Accession Talks, Zelenskyy Hails Milestone

Jun 25, 2024, 11:14 AM

Ukraine has officially started its formal accession talks with the European Union, marking a significant milestone in its decade-long pursuit of EU membership. The negotiations commenced after the EU Foreign Affairs Council approved the negotiating frameworks for Ukraine and Moldova. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other officials have expressed pride and optimism about the country's irreversible course toward Western integration. The start of these talks is seen as a testament to Ukraine's commitment to reforms and its resilience in the face of ongoing conflict with Russia. Veteran lawmaker-turned-soldier Yehor Sobolev, who has been actively involved since the 2014 revolution, also highlighted the significance of this development. The Danish government has pledged €20.1 million to support Ukraine and Moldova in their EU membership journey. Moldova's President Maia Sandu echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the shared commitment to European values. Despite some opposition, such as from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, the EU has set out a path filled with opportunities for both Ukraine and Moldova. The process gained momentum in June 2022 when Ukraine's candidate status was approved. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also stressed the importance of the 14th EU sanctions.