On June 15, the European Union will conduct its first intergovernmental conferences with Ukraine and Moldova, marking the launch of Cluster 1, titled “Fundamentals,” as part of their EU accession negotiations.
This announcement was made by the Cypriot Presidency of the EU Council, highlighting the significance of this event for both candidate nations and the extensive efforts made to advance the EU’s enlargement process.
“This milestone recognizes the aspirations, resilience, and hard work of two candidates who have chosen Europe and its values,” the statement read.
Cluster 1 represents a crucial phase in the accession talks, addressing issues such as the rule of law, the functioning of democratic institutions, governance, economic criteria, and the protection of fundamental rights.
The Cypriot authorities emphasized that the initiation of this first cluster reaffirms the EU’s commitment to its enlargement policy and support for countries that share European values.
The intergovernmental conference will officially commence the practical phase of negotiations for Cluster 1 for both Ukraine and Moldova. The continued progress toward EU membership will depend on the implementation of necessary reforms and alignment of national legislation with EU law.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the decision by EU member states to open the first cluster of negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova’s accession to the European Union.
She stated that this marks a significant step forward for the EU, emphasizing that enlargement is a strategic choice that enhances peace, security, and prosperity across the continent.
“Enlargement remains one of the greatest success stories of the European Union and our best investment in a shared future,” von der Leyen asserted.
European Council President António Costa echoed von der Leyen’s sentiments.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the EU’s decision to open the first cluster of negotiations, describing it as vital political and moral support for Ukraine.
He expressed gratitude to Ukrainian defenders, citizens working for the country’s benefit, and European partners and EU member state leaders for their support on Ukraine’s path to EU membership.
“Ukraine defends itself and, in doing so, all of Europe—the idea that European peoples can live united, freely, and peacefully,” Zelensky emphasized.
The President noted that Ukraine is fulfilling all necessary commitments to advance the negotiation process and expects the EU to honor its commitments as well.
Zelensky stated that the opening of the first negotiation cluster sends an important signal of support to the Ukrainian public amid the ongoing full-scale war.
On June 4, President Zelensky indicated that Ukraine hoped to transition to opening negotiation clusters within the EU accession process in June.
Ukraine’s EU Accession
On December 19, 2025, it was reported that Ukraine had completed the necessary procedures to open all six negotiation clusters for EU membership.
On October 2, 2025, President Zelensky met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, urging EU leaders to open the clusters for Ukraine’s accession.
Despite Kyiv’s technical readiness and government approval of negotiation positions, the actual opening of the clusters requires unanimous agreement from all 27 EU member states. This consensus principle poses a significant challenge for Ukraine at this stage.
On March 17, 2026, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced that the Ukrainian delegation in Brussels received the EU’s conditions for accession concerning the three final negotiation clusters. EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi emphasized that all six negotiation clusters for Ukraine’s accession are currently unofficially open.
The EU will hold its first intergovernmental conferences with Ukraine and Moldova on June 15, initiating Cluster 1 of their accession negotiations. This development underscores the EU's commitment to enlargement and support for candidate nations as they pursue necessary reforms.