The European Union is set to open two new negotiating chapters with Ukraine on Tuesday, marking a key step in Kyiv’s long path toward joining the bloc.
The Ukrainian parliament on Monday approved legislation signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy guaranteeing the rights of national minorities, removing a major obstacle to the country’s efforts to join the European Union.
The status of Hungary’s Hungarian-speaking minority in western Ukraine has long been a source of tension with Budapest, which has blocked Kyiv’s EU accession process since Ukraine formally applied for membership days after Russia launched its invasion in February 2022.
European Council President Antonio Costa welcomed on Monday what he described as the EU member states’ decision to open two additional negotiating clusters with Ukraine and Moldova.
“We look forward to opening all the remaining negotiating clusters as soon as possible,” Costa said. “Your future is inside the European Union. Let us keep up the momentum.”
Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán welcomed the move, describing it as a “necessary condition” for Budapest to approve the launch of a new round of EU-Ukraine talks.
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar, meanwhile, said the adoption of the law was “a positive sign.”
Countries seeking to join the bloc must undertake wide-ranging reforms to comply with EU standards across multiple areas, from environmental policy to agriculture.
A total of 35 negotiating chapters must be completed before the EU’s 27 member states can unanimously decide to admit a new member.
Final approval of membership requires the consent of every member state, either through its parliament or by referendum.
Source: AFP
