BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union countries agreed on Friday to begin accession talks with Ukraine next week, formally starting the path for the war-affected nation to eventually become part of the world’s largest trading bloc.

During a meeting in Brussels, ambassadors from the 27 member states decided that negotiations with Ukraine, as well as with Moldova — another country facing pressure from Moscow — will officially commence on Monday in Luxembourg.

For Kyiv, joining the EU represents a vital “security guarantee” that would help ensure long-term stability once its war with Russia comes to an end.

While NATO membership would offer a stronger security commitment, the Trump administration has made clear it does not support Ukraine joining the alliance. Several other countries are also reluctant to see Ukraine enter NATO while the conflict continues. Moscow strongly opposes NATO expansion and has pointed to Kyiv’s ambitions in that direction as one of the justifications for its full-scale invasion in 2022. By contrast, Russia has not voiced the same level of objection to Ukraine pursuing EU membership.

Any country seeking to join the EU must negotiate across 35 policy chapters, covering areas from agriculture and trade to justice and financial oversight. Completing this process typically takes many years.

An intergovernmental conference scheduled for Monday will formally open the first group of chapters — organized into “clusters” — focusing on the fundamental values and principles that underpin the European Union.

“This step acknowledges the determination, resilience and extensive reform efforts demonstrated by both countries, even under extraordinary pressure,” European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a joint statement.

They called the decision “a strategic choice” that reinforces “peace, security and prosperity throughout Europe.” It also sends a clear message that the EU’s promise of stability and opportunity remains unmatched, they added.

Ukraine submitted its application for EU membership less than a week after Russia launched its invasion in February 2022. The European Commission has commended Kyiv for advancing reforms despite wartime conditions, though persistent concerns remain regarding corruption and the strength of judicial institutions.

Last month, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz encouraged fellow EU leaders to explore the possibility of granting Ukraine “associate membership,” while also revitalizing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending more than four years of war with Russia.

Other member states, including France and the Netherlands, have floated alternative approaches that could integrate Ukraine more quickly, though without granting it the full rights enjoyed by member countries.

These developments come as the EU debates whether to pursue its own direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. U.S.-led mediation efforts have slowed, particularly as Washington’s focus has shifted toward tensions involving Iran.

Under Merz’s proposal, Ukraine would participate in EU meetings but would not have voting rights. It could also appoint non-voting representatives to the European Commission and the European Parliament, giving it a voice without full decision-making authority.

Progress in the accession process requires unanimous approval from all 27 member states at every stage, both to open and to close each policy chapter. Hungary had previously blocked the launch of talks, but the formation of a new government in Budapest has led to a more flexible position.