The European Union begins the first formal phase of membership talks for Ukraine and Moldova after Hungary lifts its veto that had blocked the process for Ukraine. Multiple outlets report that EU member states move to open accession-related discussions as the next step in bringing the two countries closer to EU membership. The initial phase is scheduled to start at an intergovernmental conference, taking place following the decision by Hungary to end its obstruction. Bloomberg and RTE describe the action as launching the first part of accession talks, while noting that the breakthrough comes after years of delay attributed to Hungary’s stance. Jowhar.com similarly characterizes the move as ending a political deadlock and frames it as a first, formal step toward accession for both Ukraine and Moldova. In all accounts, the process is presented as a procedural opening phase rather than final membership, and it is linked directly to the lifting of Hungary’s veto on starting talks with Ukraine.