EU agrees to open first accession negotiation block with Ukraine and Moldova

The European Union has reached an agreement to open the first cluster of formal accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, a pivotal move requiring the unanimous consent of all 27 member states. This decision, achieved during a meeting of EU Permanent Ambassadors in Brussels, signifies a crucial step in the enlargement process for both nations. The formal talks are scheduled to commence on June 15 in Luxembourg, following the recent removal of Hungary's veto on initiating negotiations with Kyiv. European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the decision as an "important step." They stated that the first intergovernmental conference will inaugurate the "fundamentals" cluster, which forms the "backbone" of the accession process. This cluster encompasses core EU values and principles, including the rule of law and robust democratic institutions, acknowledging the "determination, courage, and hard work" of Ukraine and Moldova in pursuing reforms amidst significant challenges. Costa and Von der Leyen further characterized the EU's expansion as a "strategic decision," asserting that a larger European Union serves the "common interest" in an increasingly uncertain global landscape. Ukraine formally applied for EU membership in February 2022 following Russia's invasion, becoming a candidate country in June of that year, with accession negotiations officially beginning in June 2024. The process involves navigating 35 technical chapters organized into six clusters, with unanimity required at each stage.

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Important step