EU begins formal process to open first accession cluster for Ukraine
The EU announced the start of preparations for the official opening of the first cluster (Photo: REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo)
The European Union has begun preparations to formally open the first negotiation cluster in accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova, according to the Cypriot presidency of the Council of the EU, European Pravda reported on June 4.
A spokesperson for the Cypriot Presidency said the Council of the European Union has officially launched the process of opening Cluster 1, Fundamentals, in the EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.
“On June 3, Coreper (the Committee of Permanent Representatives) launched the formal process of opening Cluster 1 in the accession negotiations of Ukraine and Moldova,” the spokesperson said.
According to the spokesperson, the move marks “an important milestone on the European integration path” of both countries.
“Guided by a merit-based approach, the Cypriot Presidency is advancing enlargement as a strategic priority and one of the European Union’s most transformative policies. This positive development sends a strong signal of unity and determination,” the spokesperson said.
On June 3, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported that Ukraine and the European Union could open two accession negotiation clusters on June 15. Earlier reports suggested that only one cluster would be opened in June, but media reports said the number could increase to two due to progress in technical consultations between Kyiv and Budapest regarding the rights of the Hungarian national minority in Ukraine.
Ukraine’s EU accession bid: Latest developments
On May 27, Euractiv reported that the European Commission would propose opening the first accession negotiation cluster for Ukraine and Moldova during a meeting of the General Affairs Council in Brussels on June 16.
On May 21, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposed granting Ukraine “associate member” status with expanded rights and security guarantees ahead of full EU membership.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected the idea, calling it unfair and insisting that Ukraine deserves full membership.
On May 11, Kaja Kallas said all six negotiation clusters in Ukraine’s accession talks could be opened this summer.
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