Key facts
- EU affairs ministers approved the opening of Cluster 6 for Ukraine's accession negotiations.
- Cluster 6 pertains to external relations, a key area for EU membership.
- This decision resolves a two-year impasse caused by Hungary's previous government.
- Ukraine and Moldova's EU accession bids are progressing in tandem.
- The European Commission deems both nations technically ready to open all clusters.
Ukraine's bid to join the European Union advanced on Tuesday as ministers formally approved the opening of Cluster 6 of its accession negotiations. This move signifies progress after a two-year political deadlock that had stalled Ukraine's membership aspirations.
The decision was announced by Irish Minister of State Thomas Byrne, whose country holds the rotating EU Council Presidency. He stated that opening another key negotiating cluster is a testament to Ukraine's commitment to moving forward swiftly.
Cluster 6 focuses on external relations and is considered a fundamental part of the EU accession framework. It is expected that Moldova will also open this cluster on Tuesday, reflecting a linked progression of their EU membership pathways. Additionally, accession chapters for Western Balkan countries Albania and Montenegro are anticipated to be closed, marking a significant day for EU enlargement.
The previous impasse was largely attributed to former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who had used his vote to impede Ukraine's progress due to disputes over the treatment of the Hungarian minority in western Ukraine. Following Orbán's ousting by Péter Magyar in recent parliamentary elections, Hungary's new government has worked with Ukraine to resolve the minority issue, paving the way for renewed progress.
The European Commission views both Ukraine and Moldova as technically prepared to open all accession clusters. The pace of future progress now rests on the consensus among the 27 EU member governments.