Ukraine and Moldova are expected to formally begin accession negotiations with the European Union later this month, reports Politico.
The EU member states are said to be preparing to launch the next stage of the accession process for both countries, marking a significant step forward in their bids to join the bloc.
The move comes nearly two years after the European Union granted candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova and follows months of discussions over reforms, governance standards and the enlargement process.
Politico reports that the opening of formal negotiations is expected to receive political backing from EU member states during June, despite ongoing debates within the bloc over enlargement and concerns raised by some governments.
The start of accession talks does not guarantee membership but represents a key milestone on the path toward joining the European Union. The process is typically lengthy and requires candidate countries to align their legislation, institutions and policies with EU standards across a wide range of sectors.
Ukraine has made EU membership one of its strategic priorities amid Russia’s ongoing invasion, while Moldova has accelerated reforms aimed at bringing the country closer to the bloc.
Both countries submitted their applications for EU membership in 2022 and were granted candidate status later that year. The European Council formally approved the opening of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova in December 2023.
If confirmed, the launch of formal negotiations in June would mark the beginning of detailed talks covering dozens of policy chapters that candidate countries must complete before becoming eligible for membership.
