EU gives the green light for the first chapter of membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova

The member states of the "European Union" reached an agreement today to open the first chapter of accession negotiations with "Ukraine" and "Moldova". The decision was announced in a joint press release by the President of the "European Commission" "Ursula von der Leyen" and the President of the "European Council" "António Costa".

"During the first intergovernmental conference on Monday, we will begin negotiations on the "Fundamentals" chapter – the foundation of the accession process," the two European leaders stated. This starting chapter sets the framework and pace of the entire negotiation process.

The so-called "Fundamentals" chapter covers the basic values and principles upon which the EU is built – from the "rule of law" and "protection of fundamental rights" to "strong democratic institutions" and an effective separation of powers. It is in this section that it is assessed to what extent the candidates are prepared to share the political and legal architecture of the Union.

"This is a recognition of the determination, courage, and hard work demonstrated by both countries in advancing reforms, despite immense challenges," emphasized von der Leyen and Costa. "And also a signal that the EU's offer of peace, stability, and opportunity remains unique," they added.

The two leaders emphasized that through the process of convergence, "we strengthen the peace, security, and prosperity of our entire continent". According to them, the deeper integration of Ukraine and Moldova into the European space is of strategic importance both for the candidate countries and for the EU itself.

"In a world marked by growing uncertainty, an enlarged European Union serves our common interests. Enlargement remains one of the EU's greatest success stories and our best investment in our common future," concluded von der Leyen and Costa.

The road so far: rapid applications and blocked negotiations

Ukraine and Moldova submitted their applications for membership immediately after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. "Moldova" officially submitted its EU membership application in "March 2022" and received candidate country status in "June 2022". "Ukraine" followed the same timeline – from submitting the application to receiving candidate status.

Formal accession negotiations with both countries were opened in "June 2024". Subsequently, the process faced a blockade after "Hungary" imposed a "veto" on progress regarding the Ukrainian candidacy. Although this veto did not directly concern Moldova, in practice the two candidacies were treated "as a package", which also held up the Moldovan process.

Following a change of government in Budapest, Hungary withdrew its veto, and all EU member states approved the continuation of membership negotiations with "Ukraine" and "Moldova". This cleared the way for today's decision on the first chapter, "Fundamentals".

Assessment of progress: reports on reforms in Ukraine and Moldova

At the beginning of the month, the "European Parliament" adopted the EU's draft reports on the progress of Ukraine and Moldova. The document for Ukraine highlights the "significant progress in reforms" achieved "under wartime conditions". At the same time, it insists that a future "peace agreement with Russia" must be "defined by Ukraine itself" and "achieved with the active participation of the EU".

The report on Moldova notes that the country is making "substantial efforts" to adapt its legislation and policies to "EU standards" and is playing a "key role for European security". This is especially true through its "support for Ukraine" and "readiness to accept Ukrainian refugees", the MEPs point out.

A long road to real membership

Actual accession to the EU remains a long-term prospect for both Ukraine and Moldova. Both states must go through "33 negotiating chapters", covering a wide range of policies – from the "rule of law", "economy", and "customs" to "competition", "environment", and "social policy". Each chapter requires "concrete legislative reforms" and "approval from all member states".

In the most optimistic scenario, membership of Ukraine and Moldova in the EU can be expected "no earlier than the beginning of the 2030s". This assumes a sustainable pace of reform, stable political will in the candidate countries, and readiness on the part of the EU to integrate new members in a changing geopolitical environment.