Belgium has welcomed a major step forward in the European Union accession process for Ukraine and Moldova, as both countries move closer to opening their first formal
negotiation chapter with the bloc.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot described the development as an important opportunity for the EU to demonstrate that it honours its commitments and rewards reform efforts undertaken by candidate countries.
The breakthrough came on Wednesday after the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union launched the formal process to open the first negotiation cluster for both Ukraine and Moldova. Progress had long been stalled by Hungary’s opposition to Ukraine’s accession bid, which also indirectly held back Moldova due to the close linkage of the two candidacies.
Hungary’s veto was lifted following an agreement concerning the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine, announced by Prime Minister Peter Magyar.
“Belgium warmly welcomes this development,” Prévot said. He noted that both Ukraine and Moldova have continued implementing key reforms, particularly in the areas of democracy and the rule of law, despite facing significant challenges.
“Ukraine is doing so while defending its very existence, while Moldova continues to withstand constant hybrid pressure,” he added.
Prévot stressed that opening the first negotiation cluster would send a strong political message.
“It shows that Europe keeps its promises and that reforms are recognised and rewarded,” he said, while acknowledging that the accession journey remains lengthy and demanding. “Belgium has full confidence that both countries will deliver, and we will support them at every step.”
A spokesperson for the European Commission also confirmed on Thursday that extensive preparatory work had been carried out with both countries in recent months. According to the Commission, Ukraine and Moldova have completed the technical requirements necessary to begin negotiations.
EU member states must still formally approve the opening of the first of six thematic negotiation clusters, which covers fundamental issues such as the rule of law, judicial reform and human rights. The decision is expected next week, ahead of two intergovernmental conferences scheduled for 15 June.
Despite the latest progress, full EU membership remains a distant goal. The accession process typically takes between 10 and 15 years, and member states remain divided over proposals to accelerate Ukraine’s entry into the bloc.
Several countries, including the Netherlands, France, Germany and Hungary, have expressed reservations about a fast-track approach that could potentially see Ukraine join the EU as early as next year.
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