The European Union moves Ukraine’s bid to join the bloc to the next stage on Monday, formally launching the first phase of accession negotiations after a prolonged delay tied to Hungary’s vetoes. EU foreign ministers are set to begin talks with Ukraine and neighboring Moldova on aligning national laws with EU rules. Sources describe the initial step as cooperation around a first “cluster” of EU legislation, which is part of a longer, multi-stage process rather than a near-term path to full membership.
Reporting also notes that Hungary’s nationalist leader Viktor Orbán had blocked progress for around two years. The delay is described as easing only after political developments in Hungary, including Orbán’s election defeat in April by rival Peter Magyar, which opened the way for the EU to proceed.
While Kyiv and the EU start the legal alignment phase, the sources emphasize that the road ahead remains difficult. At least one outlet says Ukraine still faces a substantial number of negotiation chapters and requires deep reforms. Other reporting highlights continued differences within the EU about timelines and potential interim options, such as proposals for more limited “associate” membership.
