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European Commission Approves Start of Membership Talks With Ukraine
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
European Union leaders have officially endorsed the start of accession talks with Ukraine, signaling a major step forward in Kyiv’s long path toward EU membership despite Russia’s ongoing war of aggression. European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the bloc’s firm support for Ukraine’s EU aspirations on June 26.
Costa emphasized that Ukraine’s security is inseparable from the security of the entire European continent and praised Kyiv’s reform efforts even amid wartime.
“Despite incredibly difficult circumstances, the Ukrainian government is pursuing reforms at an impressive pace,” Costa said. “So now is the time to step up our work and move forward on Ukraine’s path to joining the European Union.”
Von der Leyen echoed that sentiment, hailing Ukraine’s determination to push ahead with internal reforms despite relentless Russian missile and drone attacks.
“Under constant fire, Ukraine is adopting one reform after another,” she said. “That is why the European Commission supports opening the first cluster of accession negotiations. Ukraine has done its part—now it’s our turn to act. The accession process is merit-based. And Ukraine deserves to move forward.”
The leaders’ statements reflect growing momentum within the EU to reward Ukraine’s progress with tangible steps toward integration, including a formal negotiation framework and the start of structured talks. The decision marks a major political victory for Ukraine, which has been pressing for EU membership since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.
The European Council’s approval sets the stage for opening negotiations on the first set of policy “clusters,” beginning the long and technically demanding process of aligning Ukrainian institutions and legislation with EU standards.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on European Union leaders to open the first negotiation cluster in Ukraine’s EU accession talks, stating that Kyiv has fulfilled all the necessary conditions.
