Poland and France want to delay opening EU negotiation clusters for Ukraine
Poland and France propose postponing the opening of some clusters for Ukraine (Photo: REUTERS/Francois Lenoir)
Two European Union countries are proposing delaying the opening of some accession negotiation clusters for Ukraine, two EU diplomatic sources told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty on May 12.
Ukraine aims to open all six negotiating clusters for membership in the European Union before the end of Cyprus’ presidency of the EU Council in late June, the report said.
According to the sources, EU member states have reached consensus on opening the first and most important cluster, Fundamentals, by the end of June. However, two countries are proposing postponing the opening of the remaining five clusters until around the fall.
The sources said Poland and France are advocating delaying the timeline sought by Ukraine.
On May 4, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine expected negotiating clusters on EU accession to open during May and June.
“We expect all six negotiating clusters to be opened during this and next month. Technically, Ukraine is fully ready,” Zelenskyy said.
On May 11, Kaja Kallas said all six negotiating clusters for Ukraine’s accession to the EU could be opened as early as this summer.
Zelenskyy has repeatedly stressed that Ukraine hopes to join the European Union in 2027. He has also rejected the idea of “symbolic” advantages for Ukraine, saying Kyiv deserves full EU membership.
At the same time, several countries have opposed “fast-track” accession, including Germany, France, Netherlands, Italy, as well as Poland and Hungary. They argue that candidate countries must meet strict criteria, particularly regarding the rule of law and anti-corruption reforms.
On March 24, Marta Kos said Ukraine would not be able to become an EU member in 2027.
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