Key facts
- Ukraine and Moldova will formally open cluster six of accession negotiations on July 14.
- EU ambassadors unanimously agreed to open the 'external relations' cluster.
- Hungary's government, led by Péter Magyar, previously obstructed Ukraine's accession process.
- Four accession clusters remain blocked, including internal market and green agenda.
- The European Commission deems both Ukraine and Moldova technically ready for all clusters.
Ukraine and Moldova are set to formally open cluster six of their EU accession negotiations on July 14, focusing on external relations. The decision was unanimously agreed upon by EU ambassadors, with Ireland, holding the rotating presidency of the EU Council, confirming the development.
This step follows Hungary's change of government and its new prime minister, Péter Magyar, lifting a previous obstruction in early June, which allowed for the opening of the 'fundamentals' cluster on June 15. However, four other clusters—internal market, competitiveness, green agenda, and resources—remain blocked.
While the European Commission believes both countries are technically ready to open all six clusters, political consensus among member states is required. Some nations, like Poland, have expressed concerns about economic alignment and potential competition from Ukrainian companies. Despite Kyiv's push to advance all steps before the summer break, it is unlikely that all remaining clusters will be opened this summer, with further negotiations expected from September onwards.