#accession-negotiations

#accession-negotiations

The European Union member states have agreed to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, bringing the number of candidates for EU membership to nine.

Candidate status does not guarantee immediate entry into the European Union; there are many steps and obstacles the countries must overcome. [ more ]

Hungary's prime minister, Viktor Orban, blocked agreement on a new funding package for Ukraine and a top-up of the EU's multiyear budget, but did not say it would be a permanent veto.

Orban argued against launching accession negotiations with Ukraine, stating that Hungary could vote it down in parliament and has multiple opportunities to stop the process if it goes against Hungary's interests. [ more ]

The EU has decided to open accession negotiations with Ukraine, a significant moment for the country and a reversal of previous opposition.

The decision is seen as a signal of hope for the Ukrainian people and a message to Russia that Europe supports Ukraine. [ more ]