BRUSSELS (NEWsnet/AP) — European Union agreed to start membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, beginning June 25 in Luxembourg.

In 2023, leaders from the 27-nation group agreed accession negotiations with both nations should proceed.

Ukraine had applied to join the the bloc less than a week after Russia invaded in February 2022.

To join EU, countries must complete a process to align laws and standards with those of the bloc and meet economic and political conditions, including a commitment to the rule of law and other principles.

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