Europa: EU treibt Beitrittsgespräche mit Ukraine und Moldau voran

The European Union is pushing ahead with accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova, according to Luxembourg. During the EU's membership conferences in Luxembourg, discussions on two additional topic blocks began on Tuesday. EU member states gave the green light to this step the day before. The Irish presidency of the EU council expressed optimism about Ukraine's progress, noting it as a significant milestone for the country under Russian attack.

The new topic blocks focus on the single market, competitiveness, and inclusive growth. The single market encompasses free movement of goods, services, capital, and workers; competitiveness includes issues like economic and fiscal policy, education, and research. The decision to expand negotiations is seen as a key signal that Ukraine's and Moldova's reform efforts are worthwhile.

Ukraine, in particular, is putting up a strong fight. Within the EU accession process, a candidate country must meet all the prerequisites for membership. This is organized into 35 so-called chapters, grouped into six themes or clusters. Completion of negotiations is not expected before the next decade, according to experts. Ukraine, among other things, is still far from EU standards, especially in the area of anti-corruption.