Ukraine and Moldova will take a decisive step towards joining the EU on Monday, as they embark on the first phase of membership negotiations.

Axar.az informs, citing The Guardian, officials also believe that with sufficient will, Ukraine could complete technical talks in around four years, while acknowledging that membership is ultimately a political decision.

EU officials consider Ukraine has only completed 15% of reforms contained in a 10-point plan agreed last December between the EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos and Ukrainian deputy prime minister, Taras Kachka. The plan includes measures to strengthen the independence of the anti-corruption agencies Nabu and Sapo, the adoption of an anti-corruption strategy and reforms in the appointment processes of judges and prosecutors.

To join the EU, a country must adopt thousands of European laws and decisions, then gain the unanimous approval of existing members.