Ukraine set to begin EU accession talks after years of delay

Ukraine is set to begin formal negotiations to join the European Union, marking a major milestone in its long-standing bid for membership. The move follows years of political delays, including resistance from Hungary, which has now eased after a change in government. The EU accession process traces back to the 2014 Maidan protests, triggered when former President Viktor Yanukovych rejected an EU association agreement. The decision at the time sparked mass demonstrations and a violent crackdown that left at least 107 people dead. In Kyiv, many citizens view the renewed accession talks as a continuation of the political and social goals of the Maidan movement. Support for EU membership remains strong in urban areas, though some Ukrainians question its impact on daily life and reforms required. For many, the negotiations represent both a political and symbolic step closer to Europe more than a decade after the uprising.

Al Jazeera's Audrey MacAlpine reports from Kyiv.

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