Ukraine began negotiations with the European Union on Tuesday to join the bloc, a key ambition for the country defending itself against a large-scale invasion from Russia.
The negotiations will be “rigorous and…
Demanding,” said Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib when opening the talks on behalf of the EU.
“With determination and commitment, we are confident
your ability to see it through to a successful conclusion,” she said.
Representatives of the EU and Ukraine met in Luxembourg to officially open talks on the sidelines of a meeting of EU affairs ministers.
The process will not start for several months and is expected to take years, but opening talks is an important show of support from the EU. Ukraine cannot join the bloc while it is at war with Russia.
Moldova will begin its own membership negotiations a few hours later on Tuesday.