Ukraine is going to join the European Union

The European Union has made arrangements to hold a special intergovernmental conference in Luxembourg on Monday, June 15, 2026, officially restarting and advancing Ukraine's membership negotiations. This marks a significant step forward following the initial membership discussions symbolically launched in June 2024, as the process had previously been largely stalled due to a veto imposed by Hungary under the leadership of Viktor Orbán.

However, this historic turning point has occurred due to recent political changes in Hungary and the new leadership of Péter Magyar, as well as a recent agreement on issues concerning the rights of the Hungarian ethnic minority residing in Ukraine.

At this upcoming conference in Luxembourg, EU ambassadors have already approved the opening of the first negotiation cluster, known as the "Fundamentals" cluster. This cluster includes critical areas such as the rule of law, democracy, judicial reforms, anti-corruption measures, fundamental rights, and public administration. Concurrently, separate membership conferences for Ukraine and Moldova are planned to be held in Luxembourg, with the participation of Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Taras Kachka, and EU foreign ministers.

EU membership negotiations consist of six main clusters, with only the first cluster currently being opened, and the remaining clusters likely to open in late 2026. Ukraine has successfully completed its preliminary screening and is making strenuous efforts to fully close certain chapters by the end of 2026. However, achieving full membership is a merit-based process that will take many years, requiring unanimous approval from all EU member states at each major stage, as well as full compliance with the entire EU legal framework.

Commenting on this process on June 4, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy promised to provide a clear timetable for the negotiations and commitments presented to the European Union. Zelenskyy pointed out that this progress was achievable, especially after the political changes in Hungary, and stated that Ukraine has acted according to the schedule and expects these negotiation clusters to open in June.

This significant political turning point occurs amidst the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war, peace talks mediated by the United States and European countries, and financial and military aid provided by the European Union to Ukraine. A massive aid package of 90 billion euros is also under discussion. EU leaders view this step as an important way to solidify Ukraine's security and reforms, ensuring its stable integration within the Western institutional system.

However, Ukraine faces numerous challenges ahead. Ukraine will need to undertake extensive reforms to align with EU standards in areas such as the rule of law, anti-corruption measures, minority rights, agriculture, and the environment. Additionally, geopolitical obstacles such as the ongoing war, potential vetoes, and debates surrounding the timeline for membership also play a role. For example, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has adopted a more cautious and careful approach regarding Ukraine's rapid full membership.

EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa have highly praised Ukraine's commitment and determination, with Ukrainian authorities emphasizing that this step is crucial for the country's security and reforms. Ukraine was granted candidate status in June 2022, and official negotiations symbolically began in Luxembourg on June 25, 2024. Subsequently, Ukraine successfully completed preliminary screenings in 2025 and 2026, and with Hungary's policy change, this entire process has accelerated significantly. Despite the severe ongoing war, this development, occurring concurrently with Moldova, provides Ukraine with immense moral strength and serves as a powerful political signal demonstrating the EU's unwavering commitment.