EU opens first cluster of accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova
Ukraine and Moldova have formally opened the first cluster of EU accession negotiations, covering fundamentals such as the rule of law and democratic institutions. All 27 member states approved after Hungary's earlier veto was dropped by its new government. Source: European Counc
Ukraine and Moldova formally opened the first cluster of European Union accession negotiations on June 12, the bloc's most concrete movement on enlargement since both countries became candidates after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The opening cluster covers what the EU calls the fundamentals, including the rule of law, democratic institutions and the core values membership requires. Reaching this point required unanimous approval from all 27 member states, which followed the dropping of the veto held under Hungary's previous government. The first intergovernmental conference was held in Luxembourg. Opening a cluster begins detailed, chapter-by-chapter negotiations rather than guaranteeing membership, and the process can run for years of legal and institutional alignment. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said the remaining five negotiating clusters could open as soon as July. Source: European Council, Euronews.