EU to begin accession talks with Ukraine, Moldova on June 25

BRUSSELS. June 21 (Interfax) - The Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union announced on Friday that the council has approved the framework conditions for accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.

"This opens the way for launching the negotiations on Tuesday, June 25, in Luxembourg," the Belgian presidency said on social media.

The launch of accession talks was tentatively approved by the EU Committee of Permanent Representatives on June 14. The talks will start with intergovernmental conferences first with Ukraine and then with Moldova in the second half of the day on June 25.

The political decision on starting accession negotiations with Kiev and Chisinau was adopted by EU leaders at a summit in Brussels in December 2023.

The European Commission said on June 7 that Ukraine and Moldova now meet all the criteria needed to formally start negotiations on EU membership.

Commenting on the Council of the EU's decision to hold intergovernmental conferences with Ukraine and Moldova on June 25, La Libre Belgique newspaper said, "Opening the talks is just a stage along the lengthy and difficult admission process. Possible accession to the EU by Ukraine, a country with a population of over 40 million and a top agricultural producer, is accompanied by multiple difficulties, starting with financial assistance."