EU Opens Accession Talks With Ukraine and Moldova After Hungary Lifts Veto
In brief
- EU ambassadors unanimously approved accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova on June 12-13, 2026
- Formal negotiations began June 15, 2026, focusing on rule of law and democratic institutions
- Hungary lifted its veto in June 2026, ending years of blockage on accession
- Ukraine and Moldova gained candidate status in June 2022 following Russia's invasion
Hungary's veto removed after years of blockage
Hungary lifted its years-long veto in June 2026, ending a prolonged stalemate. The removal of this single-state obstruction allowed the EU to move forward on a commitment made in December 2023, when the European Council first greenlit negotiations. Both Ukraine and Moldova had received candidate status in June 2022, in the immediate aftermath of Russia's full-scale invasion.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa both publicly welcomed the agreement, signaling strong institutional backing for the two countries' integration paths.
The "Fundamentals" cluster begins
The opening negotiation phase focuses on what the EU calls "Fundamentals"—a cluster centered on rule of law, democratic institutions, and core values including judicial independence, anti-corruption frameworks, and media freedom. This is standard practice for EU enlargement.
The accession process itself is demanding. Candidate countries must screen their national laws against the acquis communautaire, approximately 80,000 pages of rules that form the body of EU legislation. Croatia's accession process took about eight years from candidacy to joining in 2013, though timelines vary widely. Turkey began accession talks in 2005 and remains technically a candidate, illustrating how protracted negotiations can become.
Distinct challenges ahead
Ukraine faces a singular constraint: it must align domestic legislation with EU standards while simultaneously managing the ongoing consequences of war on its territory. Wartime governance and institutional reform are rarely compatible.
Moldova confronts its own obstacles with governance reform and the influence of pro-Russian political factions. Both countries will eventually need to implement the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) as they harmonize their regulatory frameworks with EU standards, among dozens of other sector-specific directives.
The road to full membership remains lengthy, but the removal of Hungary's veto signals momentum in a region where geopolitical weight has shifted sharply eastward.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Hungary's veto matter for EU accession talks?
EU decisions on enlargement require unanimity among all 27 member states. Hungary's removal of its years-long veto in June 2026 unblocked the path forward, allowing the EU to move on a commitment made in December 2023 to open negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.
How long does EU accession typically take?
Timelines vary significantly. Croatia took about eight years from candidacy to joining in 2013. Turkey began accession talks in 2005 and remains technically a candidate, showing how protracted the process can become.
What is the acquis communautaire?
The acquis communautaire comprises approximately 80,000 pages of EU legislation and rules. Candidate countries must screen their national laws against this entire body to ensure compliance before joining the bloc.
