EU officially launches Ukraine and Moldova accession process

Kyiv sees EU accession as a security guarantee and alignment with Western values as it defends against Russian invasion.The European Union has officially launched the accession process for Ukraine and Moldova.The formal launch on Monday will require both countries to commit to years of political reforms. Ukraine must start the complex process while it continues to fight Russia’s invasion, but Kyiv views EU membership as a security guarantee and an anchor for its efforts to join the West.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3UK forces seize suspected Russian shadow fleet tanker in English Channellist 2 of 3EU set to hold membership talks with Ukrainelist 3 of 3UK forces seize suspected Russian oil tanker accused of funding Ukraine warend of listMarking the event, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister, Taras Kachka, joined an intergovernmental conference in Luxembourg that opened talks to help Kyiv align with the 27-member bloc’s laws, standards and values.“Aggression against Ukraine and threats against Europe is a permanent policy of Russia, so that’s why we need to be united,” Kachka told journalists. “That’s why we need faster and very comprehensive accession to the European Union.”However, there is considerable concern within the EU concerning Ukraine’s readiness to join, as well as the security implications given the conflict with Russia and Moscow’s announced annexation of five regions.Ukraine’s best security guarantee would be membership in the NATO military alliance, but the Trump administration in the United States insisted that cannot happen, and other member states are wary while the conflict with Russia continues.Ukraine’s accession process was long stymied by Hungary under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose illiberal regime was considered Russia’s strongest ally in Europe and a possible threat to the EU project. However, Orban lost the election in April.