EU Nations Vote to Launch Membership Accession Talks with Ukraine, Moldova

​The 27 member states of the European Union have voted in favor of launching the first round of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.

​Following this decision, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced in a post on X that the first round will open this coming Monday. This round will address the core principles of the Union, ranging from the rule of law to democratic institutions.

​"This is a recognition of the determination, courage, and hard work shown by both countries in driving reforms forward, even in the face of monumental challenges," von der Leyen added.

​The vote by EU ambassadors came after Hungary dropped its long-standing opposition to Ukraine's bid to join the European Union, according to a report by Politico Europe.

​Budapest had strongly opposed Kyiv's accession under former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

However, the country's new leadership, which came to power last month, was open to lifting the veto following a meeting between Ukrainian and Hungarian experts regarding the rights of the Hungarian minority residing in Ukraine.

​Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote in a post on X after the vote: "As we have said, Ukraine is doing what it takes, and it is important that the EU fulfills its promises as well. We congratulate Moldova on this step, which we are taking together."