Ukraine and Moldova to start EU negotiations

TT

Published 20.08

 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Archive photo. Photo: AP/TT

Ukraine and Moldova will be allowed to formally begin the first negotiations on joining the EU on Monday, Euronews reports.

This has become clear after all 27 EU member states agreed on the next phase of the accession talks on Friday evening, when the first so-called negotiation cluster will be opened.

The formal start of negotiations will begin on Monday in Luxembourg, with two separate conferences for the two candidate countries.

The breakthrough was achieved after Hungary lifted its veto last week, following an agreement between Budapest and Kiev on the handling of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine.

“This is recognition of the determination, courage and hard work shown by both countries to push forward reforms, despite enormous challenges,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President António Costa in a joint statement.