The EU has officially opened accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova after Hungary’s veto ended. This marks a significant shift in the bloc’s expansion policy. Below, find practical questions readers ask about what happens next, how the talks unfold, and what it could mean for security and aid in the region.
Opening accession talks means the EU will begin a formal, structured negotiation process with Ukraine and Moldova to align their laws and institutions with EU standards. The talks start with the fundamentals chapter, focusing on the rule of law, democratic governance, and core EU principles. Each of the 35 policy chapters will need to be addressed, with progress judged against specific benchmarks.
Hungary’s new government has softened its stance, allowing progress toward accession talks. This signals a potential broader shift within the EU toward expanding membership and reinforcing regional stability. It may indicate a willingness to evaluate reforms more favorably and coordinate with fellow member states on enlargement timelines.
The talks begin with the fundamentals chapter, which includes rule of law, anti-corruption measures, judiciary independence, and alignment with EU values. Progress on this chapter is a prerequisite for advancing into further chapters. Each chapter requires unanimous approval by all EU member states to open or close, so alignment with EU standards is essential from the start.
Opening talks can strengthen regional security by signaling commitment to stability and democratic reforms. It may unlock increased EU funding and aid tailored to reforms and resilience, while also clarifying the scope of financial support tied to meeting EU conditions. The 35 chapters provide a framework for ongoing oversight and support.
If benchmarks aren’t met, progress could stall or regress on individual chapters. The process is designed to be transparent but requires continued reforms and oversight. No automatic membership is guaranteed, and timelines depend on sustained reform and consensus among EU members.
Timelines for accession are not fixed and depend on each country’s progress across all chapters. While both Ukraine and Moldova are moving forward together, the EU will assess each country’s reforms separately, and progress can differ by chapter and by the state of domestic reforms.
Progress for Kyiv's membership bid given the green light after Hungary's new government lifts Budapest's veto.