War-torn Ukraine and neighbouring Moldova are now officially in accession talks with the European Union. Both countries were granted EU candidate status in 2022. The landmark move has been hailed as historic and is the start of a complex process that could take years.
Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, large numbers of Ukrainian refugees have been residing in Germany, Poland and the Czech republic. The three EU member states have asked the European Commission for financial support.
The European Court of Human Rights said Russia violated the right to life, the freedom of expression and assembly, among other abuses. Ukraine had filed a complaint with the court. The impact of the ruling is likely limited as Russia refuses to recognize the court judgements. The EU’s foreign ministers on Monday adopted new Russia santions.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU set up a temporary protection regime for Ukrainian war refugees. On Thursday, EU justice and home affairs ministers extended the rules for another year until March 2026.
In December, EU leaders agreed to open accession negotiations with Ukraine. While the European Commission said in a recent report that the country needed to implement further reforms, the German government has now said that Ukraine has fulfilled these reforms.