Ukraine’s EU Journey: What Comes After the First Steps?

Ukraine’s president made clear this week that talks about joining the European Union won’t stall. Volodymyr Zelenskiy said his government will stick to a set plan, even after Hungary recently shifted its position on Ukraine’s membership. Just a day earlier, the EU’s rotating leadership under Cyprus announced it had started preparing to open the first round of negotiations. These talks will focus on how well Ukraine protects democracy and follows the rule of law. The first group of issues to be discussed includes government transparency and fair legal systems. Zelenskiy highlighted that Ukraine has already done its homework by meeting EU demands so far. “We followed the schedule before, and now we expect the next steps in June, ” he said in a recent video message. The real question is whether the EU will keep its side of the bargain. Meanwhile, Hungary’s change of heart came after it struck a deal with Ukraine about the rights of about 100, 000 ethnic Hungarians living in the country. This agreement was key because Hungary’s past leader had blocked Ukraine’s EU efforts for years. The new leader, Peter Magyar, seems ready to move forward.Zelenskiy’s push for EU membership isn’t just about politics—it’s about survival. For over four years, Ukraine has been fighting Russia’s invasion, and joining the EU could help tie the country closer to Western support. He pointed out that Ukraine’s officials are in daily contact with EU leaders, which keeps the process moving. These talks cover more than just membership rules. They also include plans to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses, coordinate sanctions against Russia, and even explore joint weapons production. Not everyone agrees on how fast Ukraine should join. Some EU countries worry about corruption or whether Ukraine can truly reform fast enough. Others see the war itself as a reason to move quicker. The debate isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about trust, security, and whether the EU can stand by Ukraine in its darkest hour.