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European Union member states have officially launched accession negotiations with Ukraine during an intergovernmental conference in Luxembourg. According to Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka, Brussels is expected to unanimously approve the opening of the remaining five negotiation clusters in the coming months, UATV English reports.
The opening of the first negotiation cluster marks the biggest step toward Ukraine’s EU membership in the past two years, according to European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, who said the decision reflects Brussels’ recognition of Ukraine’s reform progress.
“Member states have outlined a list of tasks necessary to advance reforms in the most important areas of our Union: an independent judiciary, transparent public procurement, and stronger safeguards against corruption and organized crime. Reforms within the first cluster build the trust that will allow Ukraine to integrate into our single market and other common European structures even before full membership,” Kos stated.
The completion of all six negotiation clusters will represent the final stage before Ukraine and Moldova can join the European Union. EU member states have already approved the opening of the first and most important cluster, known as “Fundamentals,” while decisions on the remaining five clusters are expected in mid-July.
Kyiv believes it can complete all integration-related reforms within two years.
“This conference moves us into the practical and final stage of accession negotiations by opening the first cluster on fundamental issues. We are ready to complete all reforms earlier because geopolitical circumstances require it, and we need to join the European Union as quickly as possible. Today’s decision also demonstrates that our only shared objective with the EU is full membership. There are no alternative options,” Kachka emphasized.
In a video address to participants of the conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the acceleration of Ukraine’s EU accession process as one of the strongest responses to Russian aggression.
“It often feels as though we always have to fight harder than others to move forward on the path to the EU. Ukraine has earned the right to move faster. This is the political decision Europe needs today. We are ready to open all clusters. We have done our part. Everyone in Europe knows this. So let us move forward without delay and open the remaining five clusters after the first one,” Zelenskyy said.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski argued that EU enlargement would benefit both sides and expressed confidence that Ukraine can meet all accession requirements.
“It is important that Ukraine is no longer just a candidate country but a negotiating candidate. This gives both Ukraine and the European Union a clear end goal for their relationship. Ukrainians now know exactly what they are fighting for,” Sikorski stated.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul reiterated Berlin’s support for Ukraine’s European future.
“Germany supports a predictable negotiation process for both Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. This must always remain a merit-based process. However, we are very pleased that constructive negotiations can now begin, and we are doing everything possible to ensure they move forward consistently. Ukraine belongs in Europe. It should have a European perspective, but it must also continue implementing reforms,” Wadephul said.
Cyprus’ Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna described the opening of the first negotiation cluster as recognition of Ukraine’s European choice and a tribute to the country’s resilience and determination.
She noted that Ukraine’s European integration remains a priority for Cyprus during its tenure in the Council of the European Union before the rotating presidency passes to Ireland on July 1.
Meanwhile, Sweden’s Minister for EU Affairs Jessica Rosencrantz stated in Luxembourg that Sweden supports opening all remaining negotiation clusters for Ukraine in July.
Read also: Zelenskyy Discusses Opening All EU Accession Negotiation Clusters with Costa and von der Leyen
