Ukraine and Moldova have formally launched the first phase of membership negotiations to join the European Union. Described by the EU's enlargement chief as Mega Monday, the start of substantive negotiations took place in Luxembourg with senior EU officials and ministers from both countries. The move is considered a highly symbolic moment for both nations, which were previously part of the former Soviet Union.
The commencement of these talks breaks a two-year political deadlock. The process had been delayed by former Hungarian PM Viktor Orban, but the election of a new Hungarian government in April paved the way for EU member states to agree to open the negotiations.
For Ukraine, EU accession is viewed as a security guarantee and an alignment with Western values as it defends against Russia's invasion. This is a key step in Kyiv's efforts to anchor itself in Western political structures, occurring as Russia intensifies its bombardment of Ukrainian towns and cities while sustaining huge losses for little territorial gain.
While EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas expressed her wish in March for Ukraine to join the European Union soon, she declined to provide an exact timeline. Officials acknowledge that although negotiations have officially opened, the path ahead remains a long one.