Ukraine and Moldova Want to Join the EU

Jun 12, 2026, 20:58
EuropePolitics
A2

Ukraine and Moldova Want to Join the EU

烏克蘭與摩爾多瓦希望加入歐盟

Introduction

The European Union (EU) says Ukraine and Moldova can start talks to join the EU on June 15, 2026.

歐盟表示烏克蘭與摩爾多瓦可以在 2026 年 6 月 15 日開始加入歐盟的談判。

Main Body

Hungary stopped these talks before. The old leader of Hungary was angry about rights for Hungarian people in Ukraine. Now, the new leader, Peter Magyar, and Ukraine have a new agreement. All 27 EU countries now agree to start the talks.

匈牙利先前阻止了這些談判。匈牙利的前領導人對於烏克蘭境內匈牙利人的權利感到憤怒。現在，新領導人 Peter Magyar 與烏克蘭達成了一項新協議。目前所有 27 個歐盟國家都同意開始談判。

EU leaders say this is a good choice for peace. Ukraine and Moldova want to join the EU to stay safe from Russia. But joining is hard. They must finish 33 different sets of rules.

歐盟領導人表示這是維護和平的好選擇。烏克蘭與摩爾多瓦希望加入歐盟以確保免受俄羅斯的威脅。但加入過程很艱難，他們必須完成 33 組不同的規則。

President Zelenskyy wants to move fast. But Peter Magyar says no. He thinks the process will take 10 to 15 years. He wants his people to vote on this later.

澤連斯基總統希望加快進度。但 Peter Magyar 表示不行。他認為這個過程將需要 10 到 15 年。他希望日後讓國民就此投票。

At the same time, the EU wants to change how it works. France and Germany want better diplomacy. The EU also wants to talk to Russia because the USA is busy with Iran.

與此同時，歐盟希望改變其運作方式。法國與德國希望擁有更好的外交手段。由於美國正忙於處理伊朗事務，歐盟也希望與俄羅斯進行對話。

Conclusion

The EU will start the first talks with Ukraine and Moldova on Monday in Luxembourg.

歐盟將於週一在盧森堡與烏克蘭及摩爾多瓦開始首輪談判。

Vocabulary Learning

💡 The 'Want To' Pattern

In this text, we see a very common way to talk about goals and desires:

[Person/Group] + want to + [Action]

  • Ukraine and Moldova want to join the EU.
  • President Zelenskyy wants to move fast.

How to use it: When you want to do something, just put "want to" before the action word.

A quick rule:

  • I/You/We/They →\rightarrow want to
  • He/She/It →\rightarrow wants to (add the 's')

🕒 Talking About Time (Future)

Look at how the text describes a date in the future:

"...on June 15, 2026"

Pattern: on+extMonth+extDay+extYear\text{on} + ext{Month} + ext{Day} + ext{Year}

Examples:

  • On January 1, 2025
  • On December 25, 2024

Tip: Use "on" for specific dates. Use "in" for just the year (e.g., in 2026).

Vocabulary Learning

talks (n.)
Formal discussions between two or more groups
Example:The two countries started talks to end the war.
agreement (n.)
A decision or promise that two or more people agree to
Example:They signed an agreement to help each other.
process (n.)
A series of actions to achieve a result
Example:Learning a new language is a slow process.
diplomacy (n.)
The activity of managing relations between different countries
Example:The leaders used diplomacy to solve the problem peacefully.
B2

European Union Starts Membership Talks with Ukraine and Moldova

歐盟開始與烏克蘭和摩爾多瓦進行入會談判

Introduction

The European Union has agreed to start official membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, beginning on June 15, 2026.

歐盟已同意於 2026 年 6 月 15 日開始，與烏克蘭和摩爾多瓦展開正式的入會談判。

Main Body

The membership process has restarted after the resolution of a diplomatic disagreement caused by the previous Hungarian government. Under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Hungary had blocked the process due to concerns about the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine. However, this problem was solved after the current Prime Minister, Peter Magyar, reached a bilateral agreement with Ukrainian authorities. Consequently, all 27 EU member states have agreed to open the first 'fundamentals' group, which focuses on the rule of law and democratic standards.

在解決了先前由匈牙利政府引起的外交分歧後，入會程序重新啟動。在前總理維克多·歐班領導下，匈牙利因擔心烏克蘭境內匈牙利少數民族的權利而阻撓該程序。然而，在現任總理彼得·馬加亞爾與烏克蘭當局達成雙邊協議後，此問題已得到解決。因此，所有 27 個歐盟成員國均同意開啟第一個「基本原則」小組，重點在於法治與民主標準。

EU leaders, including António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, emphasized that this enlargement is a 'strategic choice' to improve stability in Europe. For Ukraine and Moldova, joining the EU is seen as a vital security guarantee against Russian aggression. Nevertheless, the path to full membership is difficult because they must successfully complete 33 different policy chapters. While President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked to open all negotiating groups at once, it is likely that some will not be addressed until late 2026. Furthermore, Prime Minister Magyar has rejected a fast-track process and suggested a 10-to-15-year timeline followed by a national referendum.

歐盟領導人，包括安東尼奧·科斯塔與烏蘇拉·馮德萊恩，強調此次擴員是改善歐洲穩定的「戰略選擇」。對於烏克蘭和摩爾多瓦而言，加入歐盟被視為對抗俄羅斯侵略至關重要的安全保障。儘管如此，通往正式會員的道路十分艱難，因為他們必須成功完成 33 個不同的政策章節。雖然總統澤倫斯基要求一次全部開啟所有談判小組，但部分內容可能要到 2026 年底才會被處理。此外，馬加亞爾總理拒絕了快軌程序，並建議採取 10 至 15 年的時間表，隨後進行全國公投。

At the same time, the EU is managing internal changes and global political pressure. France and Germany are discussing how to restructure the European External Action Service to make the bloc's diplomacy more effective. Additionally, the EU is considering whether to negotiate directly with Russia, as the United States is currently too focused on the conflict in Iran to lead these efforts.

與此同時，歐盟正在應對內部變革與全球政治壓力。法國與德國正在討論如何重組歐洲對外行動署，以使歐盟的外交更有效率。此外，由於美國目前過於專注於伊朗衝突而無法領導這些努力，歐盟正考慮是否直接與俄羅斯進行談判。

Conclusion

The EU will officially begin the first stage of membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova this Monday in Luxembourg.

歐盟將於本週一在盧森堡正式開始與烏克蘭和摩爾多瓦進行第一階段的入會談判。

Vocabulary Learning

🚀 Moving Beyond 'But' and 'And'

To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using simple connectors and start using Logical Linkers. In this text, we see words that act like bridges, showing the relationship between two ideas rather than just adding them together.

⚡ The 'Shift' Words

Look at how the text changes direction. Instead of saying "But," it uses:

  • Nevertheless: Used when something is true, but the next point is surprising or contrasting.
    • Text Example: Joining the EU is a security guarantee. →\rightarrow Nevertheless, the path is difficult.
  • However: A cleaner way to introduce a contradiction.
    • Text Example: Hungary blocked the process. →\rightarrow However, the problem was solved.

🛠️ The 'Result' and 'Addition' Tools

B2 students show cause and effect. Notice these sophisticated transitions:

  1. Consequently (The 'Therefore' upgrade): Used to show a direct result.
    • Logic: Problem solved →\rightarrow Consequently, all states agreed.
  2. Furthermore (The 'Also' upgrade): Used to add a new, important point to an argument.
    • Logic: Some groups won't open →\rightarrow Furthermore, Magyar rejected a fast-track.
  3. Additionally: Used to introduce a separate but related topic.
    • Logic: France and Germany are discussing changes →\rightarrow Additionally, the EU is considering Russia.

💡 Pro Tip for the Jump to B2: Next time you write a paragraph, forbid yourself from using and, but, or so at the start of a sentence. Replace them with Furthermore, However, and Consequently. This immediately changes how a native speaker perceives your fluency level.

Vocabulary Learning

negotiations (n.)
Formal discussions between people or groups who are trying to reach an agreement
Example:The two companies entered into negotiations to discuss a potential merger.
resolution (n.)
The action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter
Example:The diplomatic resolution of the conflict prevented the outbreak of war.
bilateral (adj.)
Involving two parties, usually two countries
Example:The two nations signed a bilateral trade agreement to reduce tariffs.
consequently (adv.)
As a result of something that has happened
Example:The company failed to innovate; consequently, it lost its market share.
emphasized (v.)
To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing
Example:The teacher emphasized the importance of arriving on time for the exam.
enlargement (n.)
The action of making something larger, in this context, adding new members to an organization
Example:The enlargement of the EU has brought diverse economic opportunities to Eastern Europe.
guarantee (n.)
A formal promise or assurance that certain conditions will be fulfilled
Example:The new contract provides a guarantee of employment for at least three years.
restructure (v.)
To organize a company or system in a new and different way to make it more efficient
Example:The government decided to restructure the healthcare system to reduce waiting times.
C2

Commencement of European Union Accession Negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova

歐盟啟動與烏克蘭及摩爾多瓦的入盟談判

Introduction

The European Union has reached a consensus to initiate formal membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, effective June 15, 2026.

歐盟已達成共識，將於 2026 年 6 月 15 日起與烏克蘭及摩爾多瓦正式展開會員資格談判。

Main Body

The resumption of the accession process follows the removal of a diplomatic impasse precipitated by the previous Hungarian administration. Under the leadership of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Budapest had exercised a veto based on grievances regarding the rights of the Hungarian ethnic minority within Ukraine. This obstruction was neutralized following a rapprochement between the current Hungarian Prime Minister, Peter Magyar, and Ukrainian authorities, resulting in a bilateral agreement on minority rights. Consequently, the 27 EU member states have consented to open the initial 'fundamentals' cluster, which encompasses the rule of law and democratic institutional standards.

入盟程序的恢復，係由於先前由匈牙利前政府造成的外交僵局已獲解除。在前總理維克多·歐班的領導下，布達佩斯曾基於烏克蘭境內匈牙利族少數民族權益的爭議行使否決權。在現任匈牙利總理彼得·馬加亞（Peter Magyar）與烏克蘭當局達成和解，並就少數民族權益簽署雙邊協議後，此障礙得以消除。因此，歐盟 27 個成員國已同意開啟首個「基本原則」集群，其中涵蓋法治與民主體制標準。

Strategic considerations underpin this enlargement. The administration of European Council President António Costa and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen characterized the move as a 'strategic choice' intended to enhance continental stability. For Kyiv and Chisinau, EU integration is conceptualized as a critical security guarantee against Russian territorial incursions. However, the trajectory toward full membership remains complex; the process requires the successful closure of 33 policy chapters. While President Volodymyr Zelenskyy advocated for the simultaneous opening of all six negotiating clusters, current projections suggest remaining clusters may not be addressed until later in 2026. Furthermore, Prime Minister Magyar has explicitly rejected an accelerated accession timeline and proposed a national referendum contingent upon the completion of all chapters over a 10-to-15-year horizon.

此次擴員的核心在於戰略考量。歐洲理事會主席安東尼奧·科斯塔與歐盟委員會主席烏蘇拉·馮德萊恩將此舉定調為旨在增強大陸穩定的「戰略選擇」。對於基輔與基西尼亞而言，歐盟整合被視為對抗俄羅斯領土入侵的關鍵安全保障。然而，邁向正式會員的路徑依然複雜；該程序要求成功完成 33 個政策章節。儘管烏克蘭總統澤倫斯基主張同時開啟所有六個談判集群，但目前的預測顯示，其餘集群可能要到 2026 年較晚時候才會處理。此外，馬加亞總理明確拒絕加速入盟時間表，並建議在 10 至 15 年內完成所有章節後，再舉行全國公投。

Parallel to these developments, the EU is navigating internal institutional adjustments and broader geopolitical pressures. Discussions involving France and Germany regarding the potential restructuring of the European External Action Service indicate a desire to optimize the bloc's diplomatic efficacy. Simultaneously, the EU is evaluating the feasibility of direct negotiations with the Russian Federation, as United States-mediated efforts are currently impeded by American preoccupation with the conflict in Iran.

與這些發展平行，歐盟正應對內部體制調整及更廣泛的地緣政治壓力。法國與德國關於潛在重組歐洲對外行動部的討論，顯示出該集團希望優化其外交效能。與此同時，由於美國目前專注於伊朗衝突而導致調解工作受阻，歐盟正評估直接與俄羅斯聯邦進行談判的可行性。

Conclusion

The EU will formally begin the first phase of membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova on Monday in Luxembourg.

歐盟將於週一在盧森堡正式開始與烏克蘭及摩爾多瓦進行第一階段的入盟談判。

Vocabulary Learning

The Architecture of 'Diplomatic Precision' via Nominalization

To bridge the gap from B2 to C2, a student must move beyond describing actions (verbs) and begin conceptualizing states (nouns). This text is a masterclass in Nominalization—the process of turning verbs or adjectives into nouns to create an objective, authoritative, and high-density academic register.

◈ The Pivot: From Event to Concept

Observe the shift in the text's phrasing. A B2 student writes: "The process started again because they removed the diplomatic deadlock."

The C2 Construction:

"The resumption of the accession process follows the removal of a diplomatic impasse..."

Analysis: By substituting verbs (resumed, removed) with nouns (resumption, removal), the author strips away the temporal sequence and replaces it with a structural relationship. The focus is no longer on who did what, but on the interplay of systemic events.

◈ Lexical Nuance: High-Utility C2 Collocations

Notice how the text pairs specific nouns with precise adjectives to avoid ambiguity. These are not mere synonyms; they are professional conventions:

  • "Diplomatic impasse" →\rightarrow (Not just a 'problem', but a deadlock where no progress is possible).
  • "Strategic considerations underpin..." →\rightarrow (The verb underpin suggests a foundational support, far more sophisticated than 'are the reason for').
  • "Territorial incursions" →\rightarrow (A precise legal/military term replacing the generic 'invasions').
  • "Institutional adjustments" →\rightarrow (A euphemism for bureaucratic reorganization).

◈ Syntactic Density and Logic

C2 mastery requires the ability to pack complex conditional logic into a single clause using contingency markers.

"...proposed a national referendum contingent upon the completion of all chapters..."

Instead of using a basic 'if' or 'depending on', the phrase "contingent upon" establishes a formal, legalistic requirement. This transforms the sentence from a simple statement of intent into a conditional mandate.

C2 Synthesis Tip: To elevate your writing, identify your primary verbs and ask: 'Can this action be transformed into a noun to make the sentence feel more like an analysis and less like a story?'

Vocabulary Learning

impasse (n.)
A situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of disagreement; a deadlock.
Example:After hours of intense debate, the negotiations reached an impasse over the proposed budget cuts.
precipitated (v.)
To cause an event or situation, typically one that is bad or undesirable, to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely.
Example:The sudden collapse of the bank precipitated a widespread financial crisis across the region.
rapprochement (n.)
An establishment or resumption of harmonious relations between two countries or groups that were previously hostile.
Example:The diplomatic summit signaled a rapprochement between the two warring nations after decades of tension.
underpin (v.)
To provide a strong basis or foundation for an argument, theory, or system.
Example:Strong evidence and rigorous data underpin the scientist's groundbreaking theory on climate change.
incursions (n.)
Sudden or irregular invasions or attacks, especially on a territory.
Example:The border patrol was alerted to several midnight incursions by foreign military units.
contingent (adj.)
Subject to chance; dependent on certain conditions being met.
Example:The signing of the final contract is contingent upon the successful completion of the environmental audit.
efficacy (n.)
The ability to produce a desired or intended result; effectiveness.
Example:Researchers are conducting clinical trials to determine the efficacy of the new vaccine.
Practice All words in a crossword→