Negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU have officially began

Ukraine submitted its application to join the European Union shortly after the onset of Russia’s invasion, followed by Moldova and Georgia.

“When, on the fifth day of the full-scale war, we jointly signed the application for joining the European Union, many said it was nothing more than a dream,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi stated on social media. “But we realised this dream. We fought for it, convinced others, and dispelled every doubt. On June 22, Ukraine’s candidacy was approved, despite opposition. On December 23, European leaders supported a political decision to commence negotiations with Ukraine.”

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen also congratulated Ukraine and Moldova on her X (formerly Twitter) page:

“We congratulate Moldova and Ukraine on the start of accession negotiations. This is very good news for the people of Ukraine, Moldova, and the entire European Union. The future path will be challenging, but full of opportunities.”

The European Commission has assessed Ukraine’s progress positively.

“Ukraine and Moldova are actually very ambitious regarding reforms. Both countries have made enormous progress in areas such as the rule of law, the fight against corruption, and freedom of the press,” said Anna Lührmann, the Federal Minister of State for European Affairs.

In contrast, Hungary remains more sceptical, having put forward 11 demands concerning the rights of national minorities, which Kyiv has agreed to address.

“There is a long way ahead and a lot of technical work before membership. But our country starts this journey prepared,” stressed Olga Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, who heads the Ukrainian delegation at the first Intergovernmental Conference.”

Ukraine’s President has stated that the country will “definitely be a full member of the European Union.”

Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine, added:

“For Ukraine, the European Union means much more than a physical space. These are values. This is hope. This is a symbol. Thousands of the best sons and daughters of Ukraine gave their lives for an independent European Ukraine.”

Ursula von der Leyen also echoed the sentiments of the Ukrainian government. The President of the European Commission noted that the European Union has always been more than a political and economic union; it is a testament to the collective desire for peace, security, democracy, and prosperity.