On March 17, Ukraine took an important step in the process of integration into the European Union by informally opening the last three negotiation clusters. The Ukrainian delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister and chief negotiator Taras Kachka, received from the European Commission a list of conditions that need to be met for the further closure of the clusters.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Opening of All Clusters and Their Significance
According to EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi, all six negotiation clusters regarding Ukraine’s EU membership are currently open at a technical level. This approach allows for detailed discussions, the identification of reform priorities, and progress in negotiations even without an official political decision on the opening of specific chapters of negotiations.
“This step is truly revolutionary—in a very European sense. It aligns with the current enlargement methodology, but it also corresponds to the modern reality where we cannot afford to lose a single day on Ukraine’s path to EU membership. This is our common interest given how the world is evolving and how aggression and war are spreading across the planet,” said Taras Kachka.
Reforms and Next Steps
The opened clusters cover issues of competitiveness and inclusive growth, green policies and sustainable connections, as well as agriculture and cohesion policy. According to Olivér Várhelyi, reforms within the third cluster will contribute to job creation, improving business conditions, and attracting investment to the Ukrainian economy. The fourth cluster focuses on transitioning to cleaner energy, ensuring reliable electricity supply, and modernizing transport and border infrastructure. The fifth cluster concentrates on the development of the agricultural sector, supporting rural communities, and the rational use of land and water resources.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko emphasized that the government has already submitted the list of conditions to the Verkhovna Rada for prompt collaborative work on their implementation.
Negotiations for EU membership are structured around six thematic clusters, covering 35 chapters of Union legislation. A unanimous agreement from all EU member states is required for the official opening or closure of each cluster. Currently, this process is being blocked by Hungary, which is why negotiations are being conducted in a format of technical preparation and reform coordination. This will allow for a swift transition to formal opening and closing of clusters in the future.
Ukraine has had candidate status for EU membership since June 2022. President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized that determining a specific date for Ukraine’s EU membership is an important component of a potential peaceful settlement with Russia, as it could serve as a security guarantee for the country. Zelensky also warned that otherwise, the Russian president might attempt to disrupt the Euro-integration process.