The European Union has agreed to launch membership talks with Ukraine, a move seen as a crucial security guarantee for the war-torn country. Ukraine views EU membership as a vital step towards a stable future, and the EU commission has praised the country’s efforts to push through reforms despite the ongoing conflict.

Membership Talks to Begin Next Week

At a meeting in Brussels, ambassadors from the 27 EU nations decided to officially open negotiations with Ukraine, as well as with Moldova, which Russia has also attempted to influence. The talks are set to begin on Monday in Luxembourg, with an intergovernmental conference to open key chapters concerning the values and principles on which the EU was founded.

Ukraine officially applied for EU accession less than a week after Russia invaded in February 2022. While the EU commission has praised Ukraine’s reforms, deep concerns about corruption and justice standards remain. Other countries, such as France and the Netherlands, have suggested workarounds to bring Ukraine into the EU fold more quickly, but without the rights of full membership.

Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.