EU Initiates First Phase of Membership Talks with Ukraine and Moldova
The European Union has formally begun the first phase of membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, marking a significant political endorsement amid ongoing challenges. Ukraine must undertake extensive reforms across six thematic clusters, including judiciary and democratic institutions, to align with EU standards. While Kyiv has strong European support, the accession process is expected to be complex and lengthy, with full membership still distant despite recent political progress, including Hungary's changed stance.