Ukraine should be admitted to the European Union before the war with Russia ends

An ongoing armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine that was sparked with Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and escalated into a full-scale invasion in February 2022, resulting in widespread casualties, displacement and significant geopolitical consequences for Europe and the world.

Ukraine opened further EU accession negotiations covering internal-market and competitiveness standards after Hungary withdrew its objections. Ukrainian legislation expanding minority-language education rights helped secure Budapest's support. The milestone advances a lengthy negotiating process without guaranteeing eventual membership.