
EU opens formal accession track for Ukraine and Moldova
The European Union has officially launched the accession process for Ukraine and Moldova, requiring both to commit to years of reforms to align with EU laws, standards and values. The talks begin with five clustered chapters—judiciary and fundamental rights, justice, freedom and security, public procurement, and statistics and financial control—covering 35 policy areas. Kyiv views membership as a security guarantee amid Russia’s invasion, while EU concerns about readiness and security persist. While some push for faster paths or associate membership, EU officials say the process must remain merit-based toward full membership; Hungary’s veto was recently resolved and funds unfrozen, but broader challenges remain as Moscow pressures Moldova.





