EU ministers approved opening the first negotiation cluster for Ukraine and Moldova, marking a practical step toward enlargement. Momentum must now accelerate to meet summer targets.
The achievement of an agreement to open the first negotiating cluster for Ukraine and Moldova marks an important milestone on the path to European enlargement and could serve as a catalyst for supporting Ukraine and its readiness to join the EU by 2030.
The Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budris, ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg, stressed the significance of this event and emphasized the need for a rapid transition to the next stages.
“Today we celebrate an important milestone – the achievement of an agreement to open the first negotiating cluster for Ukraine and Moldova. This is a real achievement, but it is not the final goal”
– Kestutis Budris
According to him, the next step should be the opening of all six negotiating clusters by the start of the summer holidays.
“We must accelerate the processes in order to be ready to open five more clusters already in July”
– Kestutis Budris
The official stressed that stepping up the negotiation process signals that the momentum of EU enlargement is being maintained.
At the same time, the EU is discussing a new multiannual financial framework that should take into account the possible accession of new member states – notably Ukraine and Moldova, the Western Balkan countries, and, probably, Iceland.
“It’s not only about Ukraine, but also about Moldova, the Western Balkan countries, and, we hope, Iceland”
– Kestutis Budris
He also stressed that the success of the process depends on both the candidate countries and the EU itself. “Ukraine must do its part, and we must do ours”
“Ukraine must do its part, and we must do ours”
– Kestutis Budris
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated Ukraine is prepared to open six clusters and expressed hope for further progress in European integration during this summer.