On June 25, the European Union officially launched the accession process for Ukraine and Moldova. The opening ceremony took place in Luxembourg, with Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka attending the intergovernmental conference.
Speaking to the press, Kachka stressed: "The aggression against Ukraine and the threats to Europe are a permanent policy of Russia, so we need unity. We need a faster and more comprehensive EU accession process."
Under the plan, Ukraine and Moldova must commit to lengthy political reforms spanning many years. Ukraine must begin this complex process while continuing to resist Russia's invasion. Kyiv sees EU membership as a security guarantee and an anchor for its Western integration efforts.
However, many EU member states have expressed concerns about Ukraine's readiness, as well as security implications from the conflict with Russia and Moscow's declared annexation of five Ukrainian regions. Some countries, such as France and the Netherlands, have proposed alternative ways to integrate Ukraine into the bloc more quickly but without full membership rights.
Ukraine's accession process was previously blocked for a long time by Hungary under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban. However, after Orban lost the election in April, his successor Péter Magyar has sought to quickly return to the EU mainstream. Last week, Magyar agreed to lift Hungary's veto on Ukraine's membership application, shortly after Brussels agreed to release more than 16 billion euros (about $18 billion) of frozen EU funds for Budapest.
As for Moldova, Russia has been accused of running an AI-driven disinformation campaign aimed at influencing elections, but the pro-Western president still won.
Countries seeking EU membership must complete negotiations in 35 policy areas (chapters), ranging from agriculture, taxation, and energy to trade, a process that can take many years. The June 25 conference opened 5 core chapters (grouped into a "cluster") that form the basis for the EU's founding values and principles, including law, fundamental rights, and the functioning of democratic institutions.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the event a "milestone." She wrote on X: "Both countries have undertaken difficult reforms under extraordinary circumstances. Their accession will make Europe stronger."
Some European nations are pushing for Ukraine to be admitted as quickly as possible, viewing the country as vital to European security. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has even called on EU partners to consider granting Ukraine "associate membership." However, EU officials and other candidate countries emphasize that the process must be based on actual merit, leading to full membership rather than a half-measure.
