Ukraine and Moldova will take a major step toward joining the European Union on Monday, as they begin the first stage of membership talks. The start of formal negotiations, launched by senior EU officials and ministers from both countries in Luxembourg on Monday, is a highly symbolic moment for the two nations, both once part of the former Soviet Union. This comes as Russia has stepped up its bombing of Ukrainian towns and cities, while suffering heavy losses with little territorial gain.
Ukraine and Moldova were quickly accepted as EU candidate countries in 2022, after applying just days after Russia’s full-scale invasion. But despite a symbolic decision to open talks in June 2024, actual negotiations were blocked by Hungary’s pro-Russian president, Viktor Orbán. The election of a new Hungarian government in April cleared the way for EU member states to unanimously agree last Friday to open “the first cluster” — the sections of EU rules covering the rule of law and democracy. Starting this cluster opens the door to talks on other areas, like the single market, the environment, and economic and social policy.
In a joint statement on Friday, EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa praised “the determination, courage and hard work shown by both countries in advancing reforms, even in the face of immense challenges.” They added, “Enlargement is a strategic choice.”
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said: “Ukraine is doing what is necessary, and it’s important that the EU is also keeping its word. Opening the first cluster is significant political and moral support for our state and our people.”
Heather Grabbe, a former adviser to the European Commission on enlargement, said opening the first cluster really matters. “It’s the start of the process of getting a deal for membership. So it’s very significant.” Grabbe, who is also a senior fellow at the Bruegel think tank, said starting talks would also be a reality check for Ukraine. “You can’t skip the adoption, implementation, and enforcement of EU laws on Ukrainian territory. That’s going to take time and cost a lot administratively.”
To join the EU, a country must adopt thousands of European laws and decisions, then get unanimous approval from all existing members.
EU officials have praised Ukraine and Moldova’s reform efforts. In Ukraine, high-profile arrests — like that of Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, who was named a suspect in a major corruption investigation last month — are seen as positive signs that authorities are taking anti-corruption probes seriously. Yermak has denied all allegations.
Still, praise is mixed with disappointment that Kyiv hasn’t moved faster on 10 priority reforms agreed last December. EU officials say Ukraine has only completed 15% of the reforms in a 10-point plan agreed last December between EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos and Ukrainian deputy prime minister Taras Kachka. The plan includes measures to strengthen the independence of anti-corruption agencies Nabu and Sapo, adopt an anti-corruption strategy, and reform how judges and prosecutors are appointed.
Officials also believe that with enough will, Ukraine could finish technical talks in about four years, though they acknowledge membership is ultimately a political decision. A proposal from German chancellor Friedrich Merz for Ukraine to gain “associate membership” — representation in EU institutions without voting rights, as a step toward full membership — has failed to gain support in other national capitals. However, Ukraine, like other EU candidate countries, already takes part in some EU policies, suggesting the idea of “staged membership” is gaining ground.
Grabbe argued that the EU should take a security-first approach to Ukraine, integrating its eastern neighbor into security and defense policy, where EU law is fairly light. She said: “Given that Ukraine is the most serious security threat to Europe since the Cold War, it makes sense to start with security and defense.”Ukraine is the key security and defense player on the continent. It’s the only country with battle-hardened troops and a serious arsenal of effective weapons that work on today’s drone-dominated battlefields. The worst thing that could happen for European security is if a future Ukrainian government turns against the EU and becomes Eurosceptic.
She added: “They’re not going to turn toward Russia, but if they become disillusioned with the EU, that would be a disaster for European security. The EU needs Ukraine at least as much as Ukraine needs the EU to guarantee all of our future security.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about Ukraine and Moldova beginning the first stage of EU membership talks
BeginnerLevel Questions
Q What does it mean that Ukraine and Moldova are starting EU membership talks
A It means they are officially beginning the long process of changing their laws and standards to match the EUs Think of it like starting a very detailed application processthey arent members yet but they are now officially in the room to discuss how to get there
Q Does this mean Ukraine and Moldova are in the EU now
A No This is just the very first step The actual membership process usually takes many years sometimes a decade or more They are now candidates not members
Q Why is this a big deal
A Its a huge political and symbolic step It shows the EU is committed to these countries especially Ukraine despite the ongoing war with Russia It also sends a strong signal that these countries are moving away from Russias influence and toward Europe
Q What is the first stage of the talks
A This stage is called the screening process EU experts will check all of Ukraine and Moldovas lawson everything from farming to banking to human rightsand compare them to EU rules They will then identify what needs to be changed
AdvancedLevel Questions
Q What is the screening process and why is it so important
A The screening is a detailed chapterbychapter review The EU has 35 chapters of rules The EU checks how far each country is from meeting the standards This creates a roadmap for the actual negotiations If they fail the screening talks can stall
Q What are the biggest obstacles Ukraine and Moldova will face during these talks
A
Corruption Both countries have deeprooted corruption issues which the EU demands be fixed
Rule of Law Ensuring courts are independent and fair is a major hurdle
War Ukraine cannot fully implement EU laws while parts of its territory are occupied and under attack
Economy Both countries need to make their economies competitive without breaking EU market rules
Q How does the war in Ukraine affect these negotiations
