EU clears opening of first accession cluster for Ukraine and Moldova as Hungary lifts veto

EU ambassadors clear the way

EU ambassadors agreed on Friday to advance accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, clearing the start of the first substantive phase of talks. The decision follows months of deadlock caused by the previous Hungarian government's opposition to Ukraine's candidacy. A new government in Budapest reached an agreement with Kyiv this month on the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine, removing the last political obstacle.

The formal opening will take place during the first intergovernmental conference on Monday, which will launch the 'fundamentals' cluster. This cluster covers rule of law, democratic institutions, and the core values on which the EU is built.

“At the first intergovernmental conference on Monday, we will open the cluster on fundamentals — the backbone of the accession process. It covers the fundamental values and principles on which the EU is built, from the rule of law to strong democratic institutions.”

The fundamentals cluster

Negotiations with candidate countries are divided into six thematic clusters, each containing several policy chapters. The fundamentals cluster is considered the most demanding and serves as the benchmark for further progress. Both Ukraine and Moldova must align their legislation with EU standards in areas such as judicial independence, anti-corruption frameworks, and fundamental rights.

“Today, the 27 member states unanimously adopted the common negotiating position for the official opening of the first cluster of chapters — 'Fundamental Values', the cluster that underpins the entire preparation process for accession. This decision confirms the recognition of the reforms carried out and the progress made by our country, as well as the trust of the 27 EU member states in Moldova and its citizens.”

Hungary's blockade lifted

The previous Hungarian government, led by Viktor Orbán, had blocked any practical start to Ukraine's accession talks, citing concerns over the treatment of the Hungarian minority in western Ukraine. After the formation of a new government in Budapest, a deal was struck with Kyiv this month addressing those concerns. EU diplomats confirmed that the agreement eliminated the last holdout among member states, allowing Friday's unanimous decision.

Moldova's ambitious timeline

Authorities in Chișinău have set an ambitious target of concluding negotiations by 2028, with the aim of joining the EU by 2030. That timeline, endorsed by EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, is conditioned on a merit-based approach and a swift pace of reforms. Moldova also hopes to decouple its accession path from Ukraine's, which remains more contested.

Strategic enlargement

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen framed the decision as both a recognition of reform efforts and a strategic move for the continent.

“This is a recognition of the determination, courage and hard work of both countries in advancing reforms, even in the face of immense challenges. And a signal that the EU's offer of peace, stability and opportunity is unmatched. Enlargement is a strategic choice. By bringing our nations closer, we strengthen peace, security and prosperity across our entire continent.”

The European Council also confirmed that an EU-Moldova Summit will take place on 22 June 2026, further underlining the bloc's commitment to deeper integration with its eastern neighbours.