EU Starts Accession Negotiations with Ukraine

A ministerial-level intergovernmental conference is taking place in Luxembourg on Tuesday, dedicated to the launch of negotiations for Ukraine's accession to the European Union.

"The negotiations aim to ensure the full application of EU legal acquis by Ukraine," said Aya Labib, Belgium's Minister of Foreign Affairs, while opening the conference. She clarified that her speech represents the EU's position.

Labib pointed out the expected challenges during the negotiations, highlighting judicial reforms, the fight against corruption, protection of national minorities, and the exclusion of discrimination.

European Council President Charles Michel welcomed the holding of intergovernmental conferences with Ukraine and Moldova on Tuesday, but at the same time emphasized that "this is the beginning of a long process."

"While we celebrate important progress today, we must also recognize that the road ahead will require sustained efforts, commitment, and further significant reforms," said the head of the European Council.

The Belgian Presidency of the EU Council announced that the European side will present a "coherent framework defining the main directions and principles of the accession negotiations" to Kyiv during the conference.