EU agrees to open Ukraine’s second and third negotiating clusters
Nation12 October, 10:48 PM
“I can confirm that all EU member states have agreed to open
clusters 2 and 3 for Ukraine and Moldova,” Byrne said in a Twitter post.
Ireland currently holds the rotating presidency of the
Council of the EU.
European Council President António Costa welcomed the
decision to open the clusters for Ukraine and Moldova.
“EU enlargement is advancing thanks to the reforms of
candidate countries and the determination of the entire EU,” Costa said.
On Oct. 8, Costa said the EU hoped to open two
negotiating clusters with Ukraine soon and the remaining clusters by the end of
2026.
On Oct. 7, Ukrainska Pravda, citing informed EU
sources, reported that Hungary had lifted its veto blocking the opening of
clusters 2, covering the internal market, and 3, covering competitiveness and
inclusive growth, in Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations.
On July 14, the EU officially opened Ukraine’s sixth
accession negotiating cluster, covering external relations.
On June 15, the first negotiating cluster for Ukraine
and Moldova was officially opened in Luxembourg.