The breakthrough occurs as EU governments advance Ukraine and Moldova’s membership bids. Ambassadors in Brussels initiated the process to open the first negotiating cluster for both countries’ accession talks.
The Cyprus presidency of the Council of the EU called this move a “significant milestone” in the countries’ “European integration path,” showcasing the EU’s commitment to enlargement and sending a strong message of unity and determination.
Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee praised the ambassadors’ decision as “a historic milestone.” She noted Ukraine and Moldova’s commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and reform “in extraordinary circumstances.”
The EU’s common position on the cluster may be formally approved next week, leading to separate intergovernmental conferences with Ukraine and Moldova on June 15 in Luxembourg, where accession negotiations could progress.
Opening clusters requires unanimous approval by all 27 EU member countries.
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