Ukraine and Moldova open first clusters in EU accession negotiations

The European Union officially opened the first cluster of accession negotiations, titled "Fundamentals," with the two candidate countries today during Intergovernmental Accession Conference meetings held in Luxembourg. The intergovernmental conference between the EU and Ukraine was attended by Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European Affairs on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus (which holds the rotating EU presidency), Marta Kos, the EU Commissioner for Enlargement, and Taras Kachka, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine.

Following the official opening of the first negotiation cluster, Commissioner for Enlargement Kos described the development at a press conference as "a long-awaited and extremely important step for the EU." Kos stated that the decision was adopted unanimously and that the unpleasant situation experienced in 2023, when the EU decided to launch accession negotiations with Ukraine, was not repeated today. Referring to the moment when Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban left the meeting room during the vote at that time, Kos remarked, "This time, no one needed to leave the room to take a coffee break." Kos expressed her hope that Ukraine would also open all remaining negotiation clusters in July.

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Kachka said he does not see a risk of Ukraine's EU accession process being blocked again.

Cypriot Minister Raouna stated, "Enlargement is not only a strategic opportunity for Ukraine, but also a strategic investment for a stronger, more secure, and more united Europe."

"The people of Moldova have tied their hopes and dreams to Europe"

The Intergovernmental Accession Conference between the EU and Moldova took place with the participation of Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu, Cypriot Deputy Minister for European Affairs Raouna, and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Kos. At the press conference held after the meeting, EU Commissioner Kos described Moldova as one of the best-performing candidate countries in the EU accession process. Kos said, "Moldova's EU journey has gained new energy and credibility. Now we will build on this positive momentum, further accelerate the work, and finally fulfill our promise to the Moldovans to join the EU family."

At the press conference, Moldovan Prime Minister Munteanu said, "The people of Moldova have tied their hopes and dreams to Europe. That is why today is very important for us."

Accession negotiations consist of six clusters

The first cluster of negotiation chapters covers the fundamental values and principles of the EU. The negotiation chapters opened under "Fundamentals" consist of "Judiciary and Fundamental Rights," "Justice, Freedom and Security," "Public Procurement," "Statistics," and "Financial Control." In the accession process, the "Fundamentals" cluster is considered the first to be opened and the last to be closed. Progress made in this cluster directly affects the pace of all other negotiation chapters and the progress of the overall accession process.

Accession negotiations include six separate clusters. In addition to the "Fundamentals" cluster, these include clusters titled "Internal Market," "Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth," "Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity," "Resources, Agriculture and Cohesion," and "External Relations."

Ukraine's opening of the first chapters had been blocked by Hungary's veto

The opening of the first chapters in accession negotiations with Ukraine had long been blocked by former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who argued that Ukraine's accession would drag the union into war. Following Orban's loss of power in the elections held in April, the 27 EU member states recently reached an agreement on opening the first chapters with Ukraine.

News Source: İHA