The Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) has initiated the official opening of Cluster No. 1, titled ‘Fundamentals,’ for Ukraine and Moldova. This development is part of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing the European Union’s geopolitical landscape.
The Cypriot presidency of the EU emphasized that this merit-based approach underscores a strategic priority for expansion, which is considered one of the most transformative policies of the Union. A spokesperson for the Cypriot presidency stated, “This positive development sends a strong signal of unity and determination.”
The EU’s collective stance on the first cluster is anticipated to receive formal approval next week. According to the spokesperson, intensive work at the working group level is set to commence immediately.
Two separate intergovernmental conferences are scheduled for June 15 in Luxembourg for both Ukraine and Moldova, following the necessary discussions within the Council. This step is viewed as a critical advancement in their accession negotiations.
Last month, Radio Free Europe reported, citing sources within European diplomatic circles, that after a two-year wait, Ukraine and Moldova are likely to open at least the first of six negotiation clusters between June 16 and 19. This initial cluster focuses on fundamental rights, justice, and public administration.
Approval for the commencement of negotiations is required from EU member states during the General Affairs Council meeting, and it will subsequently be confirmed at the European leaders’ summit on June 18-19, which will feature Hungary’s new Prime Minister, Péter Márki-Zay, for the first time.
Diplomatic sources indicate that a key consideration for the EU regarding the start of negotiations with Moldova and Ukraine is whether one, multiple, or all six negotiation clusters will be opened in June.
In May, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposed the possibility of ‘associated membership’ for Ukraine within the EU, which would not grant full voting rights. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on Merz’s idea, asserting that Ukraine’s presence in the EU should be comprehensive.
Since June 2022, Ukraine has held official candidate status for EU membership. The accession negotiations are divided into six thematic clusters, encompassing 35 chapters of EU legislation. Unanimous consent from all EU member states is required for the formal opening or closing of each cluster.
The EU has commenced the official opening of the first accession cluster for Ukraine and Moldova, marking a significant step in their membership negotiations. This move is part of a broader strategy for EU expansion and is expected to receive formal approval in the coming weeks.