Ukraine officially begins EU accession negotiations
Ukraine officially began its full membership negotiations with the European Union today with the Intergovernmental Accession Conference held in Luxembourg. Later today, negotiations with Moldova will also officially commence following those with Ukraine.
İHA
Following the European Council's decision on December 14, 2023, to open accession negotiations with Ukraine, foreign ministers from European Union (EU) countries, led by the Belgian presidency, officially sat down at the negotiating table with Ukraine for the first time today in Luxembourg.
Joining the Intergovernmental Accession Conference via video link, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated in his opening remarks, “We sincerely believe that Ukraine cannot be a strong country outside the European Union, and that the EU cannot be strong without Ukraine.
Dear friends, today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the relations between Ukraine and the EU. We thank you all with a deep sense of gratitude for your efforts,” he said. Stating that today is a historic day for Ukraine, Shmyhal noted that Ukraine's accession to the EU would also be a great success for the EU itself.
"A HISTORIC MOMENT FOR ALL OF US"
Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib, representing the presidency, stated, “This is a historic moment for all of us and represents a milestone in our relations.” Conveying that the EU condemns the war launched by Russia against Ukraine and salutes the resistance of the Ukrainian people, Lahbib said that the EU will continue to support Ukraine during the war.
"UKRAINE HAS TAKEN ALL THE STEPS"
EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi pointed out that despite going through a difficult period, Ukraine has made significant progress in reforms. Várhelyi said, “Ukraine has taken all the steps required to officially begin accession negotiations. Progress on reforms needs to be sustainable over a longer period. I invite Ukraine to continue its efforts to fully comply with all membership criteria. The presented negotiation framework offers a solid foundation and comprehensive tools for accession negotiations.”
UKRAINE AND MOLDOVA HAD APPLIED FOR MEMBERSHIP
Ukraine and Moldova applied for EU membership shortly after the war between Russia and Ukraine began in February 2022. The EU responded positively to the applications of Ukraine and Moldova in a short time, granting them candidate status in June 2022. European ministers will begin talks with Moldova at 19:00 (TRT) following the session with Ukraine.
During the negotiation process, candidate countries are required to align their laws and standards with the EU in many areas within 35 chapters, ranging from the free movement of goods to fisheries, and from tax regulations to energy, environment, judiciary, and security.
Ukraine aims to join the union by 2030.