Ukraine and Moldova have officially started negotiations for full membership in the EU.

There has been an important development at the Intergovernmental Accession Conference held in Luxembourg. The conference officially started the membership negotiations of Ukraine and Moldova with the European Union.

UKRAINE'S EU MEMBERSHIP NEGOTIATIONS OFFICIALLY STARTED

Following the decision of the Council of Europe to start accession negotiations with Ukraine on December 14, 2023, today, the foreign ministers of the European Union (EU) countries, led by Belgium as the presidency, officially sat at the negotiation table with Ukraine in Luxembourg for the first time.

"WE BELIEVE UKRAINE AND THE EU WILL BE STRONG TOGETHER"

Ukraine Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal, who connected to the Intergovernmental Accession Conference via video, used the following expressions in his opening speech: "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 symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter in the relations between Ukraine and the EU. We thank you all with great gratitude for your efforts." Shmyhal, who stated that today is a historic day for Ukraine, emphasized that Ukraine's accession to the EU will also be a great success for the EU.

"A HISTORIC MOMENT FOR ALL OF US"

Hadja Lahbib, the Foreign Minister of Belgium as the presidency, used the following expressions: "This is a historic moment for all of us and represents a milestone in our relations." Lahbib stated that the EU condemns the war initiated by Russia against Ukraine and salutes the resistance of the Ukrainian people, and said that the EU will continue to support Ukraine during the war.

"UKRAINE HAS TAKEN ALL THE NECESSARY STEPS"

Olivér Várhelyi, the European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, drew attention to the significant progress Ukraine has made in reforms despite going through a difficult period. Várhelyi said, "Ukraine has taken all the necessary steps to officially start accession negotiations. Progress in reforms needs to be sustainable for a longer period. I invite Ukraine to continue its efforts to fully comply with all membership criteria. The negotiation framework offered provides a solid basis and comprehensive tools for accession negotiations."

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION CAME AFTER THE START OF THE WAR

Ukraine and Moldova applied for membership to the EU shortly after the start of the war between Russia and Ukraine in February 2022. The EU responded positively to the applications of Ukraine and Moldova and granted candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova in June 2022. European ministers started negotiations with Moldova at 19:00 CET after Ukraine.

In the negotiation process, candidate countries need to align their laws and standards with the EU in many areas, including the free movement of goods, fisheries, tax regulations, energy, environment, judiciary, and security. Ukraine aims to join the union by 2030.