EU heads of state and government agreed to begin accession negotiations with the bloc this week. Ukraine and Moldova will be invited to start the process, while Georgia has been granted candidate status. This decision was announced by the President of the European Council via social media after meeting the standard accession prerequisites had been met.
The European Council confirmed the launch of negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. Georgia has been designated a candidate country. The EU will commence talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina once it satisfies the required criteria, with further steps outlined as criteria are met. This was communicated by the President of the European Council, alongside remarks from the European Commission and other top EU officials.
At the outset, observers noted it was uncertain whether the decision would be announced early in the morning as leaders gathered. A top official said there was no immediate basis to negotiate Ukraine’s accession. Hungary and its prime minister voiced cautious positions during the discussions. In parallel, the European Commission announced a substantial release of EU funds to Hungary as part of the ongoing budgetary process.
The expansion of the union was framed as merit-based and legally detailed, with a clear set of prerequisites. Seven preconditions were identified, and at least three of these remained unmet according to Commission assessments, indicating there was no current impetus to advance Ukraine’s accession talks. Statements from EU representatives highlighted the need for careful alignment with the bloc’s standards.
Additionally, a major topic involved a proposed fifty billion euro funding package for Ukraine for the period 2024 to 2027. This figure emerged amid negotiations over the multiannual financial framework, with some member states advocating for limited involvement of new funds in the next budget cycle.
By the End of the Week?
Two issues require the unanimous consent of the Twenty-Seven and will shape the remaining discussions on Thursday and Friday: participation and funding. One participant remarked that the process could be lengthy, suggesting leaders may be present through the night with hopes of reaching a deal by Friday. If not, the debate could extend into the weekend, with ongoing talks acknowledged by various leaders.
Leaders emphasized the importance of delivering a constructive message to Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and the Western Balkans. The emphasis was on standing with Ukraine during its winter challenges while reaffirming the union’s unity. Some cautioned that unity must be preserved and warned against any approach that could be perceived as market-driven or opportunistic. The broader consensus stressed the need to secure the future stability of the region.
The call from Ukraine’s president to proceed with accession talks was relayed to the Twenty-Seven after a regular meeting with EU lawmakers. Ukraine expressed readiness to engage and a desire for decisive, lasting actions that strengthen European security and demonstrate the union’s reliability. Ukraine’s leadership argued that decisive steps are essential, particularly in the face of regional threats and ongoing aggression.
Meanwhile, the discussion continued on the EU budget framework for the 2021-2027 period. The European Commission proposed additional funding to support Ukraine amid the war and the related challenges, including migration policy and investments in digital and green priorities. The package presented a mix of loan and grant components, with the majority of member states supporting the package while a few urged restraint on additional fresh funds.
In this context, the aim was to provide Ukraine with the financial relief necessary to sustain its resistance while laying a solid foundation for future reforms. Officials underscored that delivering predictable support remains essential to maintaining Ukraine’s resilience in the face of external pressure and ensuring the long-term stability of the region.