EU launches accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova after end of Hungarian blockade

Structure of the negotiations

The accession negotiation process is thematically divided into six clusters comprising a total of 33 so-called chapters. In addition, there are two chapters that are negotiated outside the clusters. Each cluster addresses specific policy areas that must be aligned with European law.

The accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova had actually been formally opened back in June 2024. Since then, however, Hungary had blocked the opening of the first negotiation cluster. It was only after the removal from office of long-time Hungarian head of government Viktor Orbán in April that the process regained momentum.

Hungary's role and the change of government

The new Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar then reported in the past week an agreement with Ukraine on a deal to strengthen the minority rights of ethnic Hungarians in the neighbouring eastern country. Magyar had made such an agreement a condition for consenting to the EU accession talks with Ukraine.

Cyprus currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council. It was this presidency that officially announced the member states' agreement on the common position on the first negotiation cluster.

Experience from previous negotiations

The negotiations usually drag on for years, and there is no guarantee that they can be successfully concluded. The EU accession negotiations with Turkey, for example, were launched back in 2005, but today they are entirely on ice following the country's ongoing backsliding in the areas of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights.

For Ukraine and Moldova, the start of negotiations represents an important foreign policy step. Both countries see EU accession as a strategic goal, but must implement extensive reforms in the judiciary, administration and other areas to achieve it.

Significance and next steps

Observers view the opening of negotiations as a signal of EU unity following a period of internal tensions. At the same time, they point out that the actual duration and outcome of the process remain open.

The next steps consist of Ukraine and Moldova meeting the requirements of the first cluster, with the EU Commission regularly assessing progress. Only once all 33 chapters as well as the two additional chapters have been successfully completed can accession actually take place.