---
title: 'EU Agrees to Start Accession Process for Ukraine, Moldova'
url: 'https://thediplomaticinsight.com/eu-to-start-accession-process-for-ukraine-moldova/'
author: 'News Desk'
date: '2026-06-13T16:30:36+05:00'
categories:
  - 'Europe'
  - 'World'
tags:
  - 'ambassadors'
  - 'European Union'
  - 'Moldova'
  - 'Negotiations'
  - 'Ukraine'
---

# EU Agrees to Start Accession Process for Ukraine, Moldova

**Brussels (TDI):** The European Union has agreed to formally launch the accession process for Ukraine and Moldova, marking a significant step toward eventual membership for both countries.

EU ambassadors representing all 27 member states approved the decision on Friday, paving the way for the first round of negotiations to begin next week in Luxembourg.

The move follows earlier agreement in December 2023 to open membership talks with both countries, although the process had been stalled due to objections from Hungary under its previous leadership. That veto has now been lifted by Hungary’s new government, allowing discussions to move forward.

European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a joint statement that the decision reflects recognition of Ukraine and Moldova’s continued reform efforts despite ongoing political and security challenges.

They described EU enlargement as a “strategic choice,” adding that expanding the bloc would serve shared interests in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

**Read More: [German Chancellor Proposes EU Associate Membership for Ukraine](https://thediplomaticinsight.com/merz-proposes-eu-associate-membership-ukraine/)**

The accession talks will officially begin on Monday with the opening of the “fundamentals” cluster, which focuses on core requirements such as the rule of law, governance standards, and democratic institutions. These initial steps form the basis of a lengthy and complex negotiation process covering multiple policy areas.

Ukraine and Moldova have both pursued closer ties with the EU in recent years, viewing membership as a way to strengthen political and security alignment with Europe, particularly amid regional tensions linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

**Read More: [EU Leaders Gather in Brussels to Weigh Massive Loan Plan for Ukraine](https://thediplomaticinsight.com/eu-leaders-gather-in-brussels-to-weigh-massive-loan-plan-for-ukraine/)**

While the decision is seen as a major political signal of support, full membership is expected to take years of negotiations and reforms before final approval can be granted.