The Committee of Permanent Representatives of the European Union (Coreper) has officially initiated the procedure for opening the first negotiation cluster titled “Foundations” for Ukraine and Moldova. This is an important step towards concluding negotiations for the accession of both countries to the EU.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Movement towards integration: key decisions and expectations
The spokesperson for the Cypriot presidency in the EU emphasized that the country, relying on a merit-based approach, ensures the expansion of the Union as a strategic priority. According to him, this step is “one of the most transformative policies of the European Union” and symbolizes the unity and determination of all members of the bloc.
“The Cypriot presidency, guided by a merit-based approach, ensures expansion, which is a strategic priority and one of the most transformative policies of the European Union. This positive development sends a strong signal of unity and determination,” said the spokesperson for the Cypriot presidency in the EU.
Next week, the EU plans to officially approve a common position on the opening of this negotiation cluster. Active work of the relevant working groups will begin on June 7, focusing on preparations for the next stage of negotiations.
Next steps towards membership
The next crucial stage will be the intergovernmental conferences for Ukraine and Moldova, which will take place on June 15 in Luxembourg after all necessary consultations in the EU Council are completed. These meetings will be the next step in advancing the negotiation process regarding the accession of the two countries to the European Union.
According to preliminary information obtained from European diplomatic sources, after two years of waiting, Ukraine and Moldova may open at least the first of six negotiation clusters by mid-June. The first cluster covers issues of fundamental rights, justice, and public administration.
The decision to start negotiations must be approved by the EU member states at a meeting of the General Affairs Council, with final confirmation expected at the summit of European leaders taking place on June 18-19. This summit will see the participation of Hungary’s new Prime Minister, Péter Márki-Zay, for the first time.
At the same time, experts note that a key issue for the EU remains the number of clusters that will be opened in June – it could be one, several at once, or even all six thematic blocks of accession negotiations.
Among the alternative proposals being discussed in the EU political space, the idea of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding so-called “associated membership” for Ukraine without full voting rights deserves special attention. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, commenting on this initiative, emphasized that Ukraine’s presence in the EU should be full-fledged.
It is worth recalling that Ukraine received candidate status for EU membership in June 2022. The negotiation process is divided into six clusters covering 35 chapters of EU legislation. Unanimous support from all EU member states is required for the formal opening or closing of any cluster.