Key facts
- EU member states have unanimously agreed to open a new cluster of accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova.
- The new cluster focuses on 'External Relations,' including foreign policy and security.
- Hungary's previous objections, related to the treatment of its minority in Ukraine, have been resolved.
- The agreement follows a pragmatic approach proposed by Ireland's EU Council presidency to open clusters gradually.
- A formal opening ceremony is anticipated on July 14, following ambassadorial endorsement of an invitation letter.
European Union member states have unanimously agreed to begin the process of opening another cluster of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, specifically focusing on external relations. This development marks a significant step in the two countries' bids to join the bloc.
The agreement to unlock cluster six, covering external relations, foreign policy, and security, is seen as a relatively less contentious area compared to other policy domains. This move reflects a shift in Hungary's stance, influenced by the recent election victory of Péter Magyar, which resolved a long-standing dispute over the treatment of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine.
Ireland's presidency of the EU Council has adopted a pragmatic approach, proposing the gradual opening of negotiation clusters. This strategy appears to have facilitated the consensus among the 27 member states. The process involves the formal conclusion of an analytical examination of the candidate countries' laws against the EU legal framework, followed by an invitation letter expected to be endorsed without controversy.
A formal opening of this cluster is scheduled for an Intergovernmental Conference on July 14, following the endorsement of the EU's common position on July 13.