EU Restarts Ukraine, Moldova Accession Talks on June 15 as Hungary Drops 2-Year Veto
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jun 12
EU Restarts Ukraine, Moldova Accession Talks on June 15 as Hungary Drops 2-Year Veto
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jun 12
Summary
EU ambassadors agreed in Brussels to relaunch accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, with formal talks opening Monday in Luxembourg.
Hungary’s new government cleared the way after dropping Viktor Orban’s veto and striking a deal with Kyiv over the rights of Ukraine’s Hungarian minority.
The first negotiating cluster, “fundamentals,” will cover rule of law and other basic principles in a process that spans all 33 accession chapters and typically takes years.
Ukraine and Moldova see EU membership as added protection against Russian pressure, giving the move strategic weight beyond the bloc’s symbolic 2024 opening of talks with Kyiv.
Can the EU reform itself to welcome Ukraine without triggering a crisis over funding and power?
How will the EU integrate Ukraine's agricultural might without dismantling its farming subsidy system?
Ukraine and Moldova Begin EU Accession Talks: Key Milestones, Reform Demands, and Geopolitical Stakes
Overview
On June 15, 2026, the European Union will take a historic step by formally opening the first accession negotiation cluster with Ukraine and Moldova in Luxembourg. This milestone follows years of anticipation and diplomatic efforts, highlighting the EU’s commitment to integrating its Eastern partners. The breakthrough was made possible after Hungary’s two-year veto—rooted in concerns over the Hungarian minority in Ukraine—was lifted due to a major political shift in Hungary, where Viktor Orbán’s government was replaced by Péter Magyar, who prioritized restoring ties with Ukraine. This decision marks real progress on the path to EU membership for both nations.