The European Union's 27 member states have given their unanimous approval to open a new cluster of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, advancing their long and complex journey toward membership. The decision, confirmed by Ireland as holder of the EU Council's rotating presidency, was reached during a meeting of ambassadors on Friday afternoon.
Cluster six, which covers external relations, will be formally opened in separate ceremonies on 14 July in Brussels. This marks the second cluster to be unlocked after Hungary's new government, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, lifted its veto on the so-called fundamentals cluster in early June, ending two years of obstruction.
Political Momentum and Remaining Hurdles
The opening of cluster six was widely seen as the easiest next step, given its relatively narrow scope. However, four clusters remain blocked: internal market; competitiveness and inclusive growth; green agenda and sustainable connectivity; and resources, agriculture, and cohesion. The European Commission has assessed both Ukraine and Moldova as technically ready to open all clusters, meaning further progress depends on political will.
Kyiv has been pushing to advance all remaining clusters before the summer break, a goal shared by the Commission and a majority of member states. "It's important that we keep the momentum up," a diplomat told European Pulse. But Magyar has expressed strong reservations about such a pace, arguing it would amount to "fast-tracked accession" and undermine the membership talks with Western Balkan countries that have been waiting much longer.
The political dynamic is further complicated by broader European security concerns, as NATO's cohesion is tested by the war in Ukraine and internal strains. The EU's enlargement process is also intertwined with other policy areas, such as the funding dilemma facing EU farmers as defence and Ukraine accession loom.
It is now virtually certain that the July target for opening all clusters will not be met. Instead, the remaining clusters are expected to be tackled one by one from September onward. This cautious approach reflects the delicate balance between maintaining momentum and ensuring that the accession process remains credible and fair to all candidate countries.
The EU's enlargement policy has long been a tool for promoting stability and reform in its neighbourhood. For Ukraine and Moldova, the path to membership is not only a technical process but also a strategic imperative, especially in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine. The decision to open cluster six sends a signal of continued EU commitment, even as political obstacles persist.
