Ukraine and Moldova to enter first phase of EU membership negotiations

EU leaders António Costa (left) and Ursula von der Leyen (right) praised ‘the determination, courage and hard work shown by both countries’. Photograph: Omar Havana/AP

Ukraine and Moldova will take a decisive step towards joining the EU on Monday, as they embark on the first phase of membership negotiations.

The start of substantive negotiations, launched by senior EU officials and ministers from both countries in Luxembourg on Monday, will be a highly symbolic moment for the two countries that were both part of the former Soviet Union. It comes after Russia has intensified its bombardment of Ukrainian towns and cities, while sustaining huge losses for little territorial gain.