The European Union formally opened accession negotiations with Ukraine on Tuesday, clearing a hurdle that had been blocked for months by Hungary. The move follows Budapest's decision to drop its veto, allowing the bloc to take the first concrete step toward bringing Kyiv into the EU.
The veto that held up progress
Hungary had repeatedly stalled the start of talks, citing concerns over the rights of ethnic Hungarians in Ukraine and what it called insufficient progress on anti-corruption reforms. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government had used its veto power to delay the unanimous decision required to open negotiations. The deadlock broke after weeks of behind-the-scenes diplomacy, with EU leaders pressing Budapest to relent.
Ukraine applied for EU membership shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. The European Commission recommended opening talks last year, but Hungary's opposition kept the matter in limbo. Tuesday's decision clears the way for the formal start of the accession process.
What accession talks mean
Opening negotiations is a procedural milestone, not a guarantee of membership. Ukraine will now begin the long process of aligning its laws and regulations with the EU's vast body of rules, known as the acquis communautaire. The talks are divided into 35 chapters covering everything from agriculture to justice reform. Each chapter must be closed unanimously by all 27 member states.
The process typically takes years, sometimes more than a decade. For Ukraine, the timeline is uncertain. The war with Russia complicates matters, as the EU has never admitted a country in an active conflict. Still, the bloc has signaled strong political support for Ukraine's eventual membership.
Next steps
The European Commission will now prepare the negotiating framework, which sets the guidelines for the talks. That document must also be approved by all member states. Once adopted, the first intergovernmental conference will be held to formally launch the negotiations.
Ukraine's government welcomed the news. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called it a historic day. The opening of talks sends a signal of solidarity to Kyiv and a message to Moscow that Ukraine's future lies with the West.
For now, the focus shifts to the practical work ahead. Ukrainian officials will need to demonstrate progress on reforms, particularly in the areas of rule of law and anti-corruption. The EU has made clear that membership is merit-based, and no shortcuts will be allowed.
