EU Sets Stage for Ukraine and Moldova Accession Talks

EU members have agreed to start accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova, with a focus on rule-of-law and democratic standards. Ukrainian leaders celebrate the milestone, which Cyprus says signals EU unity. Separately, Hungary and Ukraine have resolved a key minority rights issue, paving the way for Ukraine's EU membership bid.

European Union members have reached a consensus to initiate accession discussions with Ukraine and Moldova. The initial focus will be on issues surrounding rule-of-law and democratic standards, confirmed Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko on Thursday.

Expressing enthusiasm, Svyrydenko noted on X, 'We are one step closer to the EU membership: steadily moving towards our goal.' The EU's rotating presidency, currently held by Cyprus, has already begun preparations to formally open negotiations.

Simultaneously, the resolution of a long-standing issue concerning Hungary's minority in Ukraine could remove another barrier to Ukraine's EU aspirations, following an announcement by Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar.