EU to begin accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova – DW – 06/21/2024

The countries of the European Union (EU) confirmed this Friday (06/21/2024) at ministerial level that accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova will open on Tuesday, June 25, announced the delegation of Belgium, which holds the semiannual rotating presidency of the European Union.

The finance ministers of the bloc’s countries formally took the negotiating table and thus confirmed in principle an agreement that was reached a week ago in Brussels by the permanent representatives of the 27 states. The same sources reported that the negotiations would take place in Luxembourg.

The EU granted Ukraine applicant status in June 2022, shortly after the Russian invasion, in a gesture considered highly symbolic.

The European Commission announced on June 7 this year that Ukraine and Moldova meet all preconditions to start formal talks. The European executive nevertheless demanded that Ukraine take measures to tackle corruption and the power of oligarchs.

The accession process involves years of complex negotiations between aspiring countries and the EU institutions in Brussels, a process that can take up to a decade.

Turkiye began formal accession talks in 2005 and the situation remains deadlocked. Albania was recognised as a candidate country in 2003 and began formal talks in 2009, which have not yet been completed.

Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and North Macedonia are also in the queue.

rr (AFP/AP/dpa)