Accession Negotiations Formally Opened with Ukraine and Moldova

The EU formally opened accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova in Luxembourg, two years after they were granted candidate status. The opening conference established the framework for negotiations across 35 policy chapters. Ukraine faces a complex reform agenda including rule of law, anti-corruption, and alignment with the EU acquis, while fighting an ongoing war. Moldova's negotiations are proceeding faster given its smaller size and more advanced reform track record.