EU opens new negotiation chapters with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, in a new step toward accession. Ursula Von der Leyen welcomes a new stage

The European Union has opened new negotiation chapters with Ukraine and Moldova, marking a new stage in the process of accession to the bloc. The discussions cover the internal market, as well as competitiveness and inclusive growth, with the two countries advancing in parallel.

The decision was welcomed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Kyiv took this step after adopting legislation on protecting the rights of national minorities, a measure that removes a major obstacle in relations with Hungary. Budapest had previously blocked the opening of negotiations over the status of the Hungarian minority in western Ukraine.

The accession process involves reforms to integrate the acquis communautaire across 35 chapters, grouped into six thematic areas, ranging from fundamental rights and the internal market to agriculture and external relations. Completing accession requires the unanimous agreement of all 27 member states.

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said the reforms would facilitate trade and the development of Ukrainian companies in Europe and could attract additional funds for Moldova. From a technical standpoint, the negotiations could be concluded in the first or second quarter of 2028. The EU also announced progress in Albania’s case, through the provisional closure of one chapter.