European Union Opens New Accession Negotiation Rounds with Ukraine and Moldova
The European Union announced the opening of new accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, focusing on the internal market and inclusive growth.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Brussels, Oct 13 (KUNA) -- The European Union announced on Tuesday the opening of two new rounds of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, covering the Internal Market and Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth, in a new step toward the two countries’ accession to the European bloc.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a post on the X platform that Ukraine and Moldova “are taking another step today toward joining our Union,” emphasizing that the future of both countries lies in the European Union and that the bloc will support them throughout their path to membership.
According to a statement from the Council of the European Union, the Internal Market negotiation group covers EU policies on the free movement of goods, services, workers, and capital, as well as common rules on competition, financial services, company law, and consumer protection. The Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth group covers policies related to economic competitiveness and growth, including taxation, economic and monetary policies, industry, digital transformation, employment, education, research, and customs.
The statement quoted Irish Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne as saying the decision represents a “new milestone” in Ukraine’s path to EU membership, reaffirming the Irish Presidency’s commitment to advancing the accession process. Byrne added that the decision reflects Ukraine’s resilience and determination to continue reforms despite the extremely difficult circumstances it faces.
The statement clarified that the European Union has established reference benchmarks with a view to the eventual closure of the relevant negotiation chapters, stressing that accession is a merit-based process and that monitoring progress in aligning legislation, implementing the EU acquis, and meeting relevant European standards will continue throughout the negotiations.
This step follows the opening of negotiations on the External Relations chapter last July. (End) A.R.N. / R.J.
