EU opens first accession cluster for Ukraine and Moldova after Hungarian veto lifted

Agreement reached

On 12 June, the European Union cleared the path for the first substantive round of accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova. The Cypriot presidency of the Council of the EU confirmed that every member state backed the opening of the so-called Fundamentals cluster, the first of six negotiation clusters in the enlargement process.

Today the European Union took an important step forward. All member states agreed to open the first cluster of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.

What the Fundamentals cluster covers

The cluster is seen as the backbone of the accession framework. It includes requirements on judicial reform, the fight against corruption, and respect for the rule of law. As standard practice, the Fundamentals cluster is opened first and closed last in the negotiations. The Cypriot presidency, which earlier in June had announced preparations for this moment, said it was “proud to have led to this historic moment.”

From candidate status to first cluster

Ukraine and Moldova gained EU candidate status in June 2022, just months after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Formal accession negotiations started in June 2024, but opening the first cluster required further consensus among member states. The breakthrough came after Peter Magyar took power in Hungary. Budapest, which had been blocking the cluster, lifted its veto under the new leadership, accelerating the timeline.

Strategic significance

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen framed the decision as a recognition of the determination, courage, and hard work both countries have shown in pushing through reforms, even while facing enormous challenges. She called enlargement “one of the EU’s greatest success stories and our best investment in our common future” and stressed that a larger Union strengthens peace, security, and prosperity across the continent.

It is also a signal that the EU’s offer – peace, stability and opportunity – is unbeatable. Bringing our nations closer strengthens peace, security and prosperity on our entire continent.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu said the start of cluster negotiations will allow the country to move to the next stages of European integration, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that Ukraine has met the conditions needed to open all negotiation clusters.

Next steps in Luxembourg

The first intergovernmental conferences with Ukraine and Moldova will be held on 15 June in Luxembourg, chaired by the Cypriot presidency. The formal opening of the Fundamentals cluster there does not confer membership; it marks an intermediate but essential stage in a long process requiring both candidates to align their laws and institutions with the EU acquis.