DThe EU officially opened accession talks with Ukraine on Tuesday. Representatives of the 27 EU member states and Ukraine’s ambassadors met in Luxembourg for the first meeting, which, among other things, was planned to hand over guidelines for negotiations. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmihal spoke of a “historic moment” for his country and Europe.
“We know there is still a lot of work to be done on the road to accession,” Schmihal said, reached by video conference in Luxembourg.
Actual enrollment may take several years
Following talks with Ukraine, accession talks are also scheduled to begin with smaller neighboring Moldova. “Both countries have made enormous progress in the areas of the rule of law, the fight against corruption and freedom of the press,” said German State Secretary for Europe Anna Luhrmann, welcoming the start of the talks.
However, it will take years, if not decades, for Ukraine and Moldova to meet all the conditions for joining the EU. For Ukraine, peace with Russia is a prerequisite. Membership is not guaranteed.
. “Amateur alcohol specialist. Reader. Hardcore introvert. Freelance explorer.”