Will Ukraine become an EU member?

Ukraine officially opened the first phase of its European Union membership talks on June 25, 2024, marking a significant step in its integration with the bloc. This development follows the European Commission's recommendation in November 2023 that accession negotiations could begin, provided Ukraine met certain conditions. The country has been working to align its legislation and institutions with EU standards, particularly in areas such as the rule of law, judicial reform, and the fight against corruption. The opening of these talks signifies a commitment from both Ukraine and the EU to continue the accession process, which is expected to be lengthy and complex. The process involves multiple stages, including screening of Ukraine's legal framework, negotiation chapters, and eventual ratification by all EU member states. Ukraine's pursuit of EU membership gained momentum following Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, when it formally applied for membership and was granted candidate status in June 2022. The European Council formally approved the opening of accession negotiations on December 14, 2023. The EU has emphasized that Ukraine must continue to implement reforms, especially concerning minority rights and the judiciary, to progress through the negotiations. The successful conclusion of these talks would represent a major geopolitical and economic shift for Ukraine and the wider European continent.