Key facts
- Hungary blocked the opening of two additional enlargement clusters for Ukraine and Moldova on July 22.
- Ukraine and Moldova aim to unlock all six clusters of reforms to align with EU standards.
- Lithuania supports opening all remaining clusters for Ukraine and Moldova without delay.
- Clusters 1 (rule of law) and 6 (external relations) have already been opened.
- The next opportunity to advance the accession process is September 1.
Plans to advance Ukraine and Moldova's EU membership bids before the European quarter empties for summer vacation failed on July 22, with Hungary blocking a move to open two further enlargement "clusters." Kyiv and Chisinau are pushing to unlock all six clusters of reforms, which align them with Brussels norms and standards, as soon as possible. The European Commission has indicated readiness to proceed based on completed work.
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar has been firm that Ukraine should not receive preferential or "fast-track" treatment, directing his diplomats to stagger the opening of individual clusters. However, not all EU member states share this approach. Lithuania's Permanent Representation to the EU stated their belief that all remaining clusters for Ukraine and Moldova are ready to be opened and that the EU should continue advancing negotiations without unnecessary delays.
Clusters 1 and 6, covering rule of law and external relations, were opened on June 15 and July 14, respectively. Diplomats had hoped to advance on clusters 2 and 3 in the July 22 meeting. Cluster 2, "Internal Market," includes free movement, intellectual property, competition, and financial services. Cluster 3, "Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth," covers taxation, customs, monetary policy, employment, science, education, and media. If approved, Kyiv and Chisinau could have held formal ceremonies to mark the opening of these two clusters at the start of September. EU institutions are not expected to hold enlargement meetings in August, making September 1 the next opportunity to revisit the decision.