Ukraine is moving on to the first cluster of EU accession negotiations
This was announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Deputy Prime Minister for Recovery Oleksiy Kuleba.
According to Kuleba, this decision was the result of the Ukrainian authorities’ joint efforts to meet European integration requirements. He noted that Ukraine had completed the necessary official screening procedures in areas falling under the remit of the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development, and had prepared further steps to bring legislation into line with EU standards.
What does the opening of the first cluster mean?
The negotiation process for accession to the European Union consists of several thematic blocks — clusters. These cover various areas in which the candidate country must bring its rules and laws into line with EU standards. The opening of the first cluster marks the transition to a new practical stage of negotiations, but does not automatically mean the country’s accession to the European Union. Ukraine will need to fulfil further conditions and go through all stages of the negotiation process.
Zelenskyy’s reaction
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the EU’s decision as important political and moral support for Ukraine. According to him, the state has done the necessary work to move forward in the negotiations.
“As we have said, Ukraine is doing what is necessary, and it is important that the EU also keeps its word,” Zelenskyy stated.
He also thanked European partners for their support and emphasised that Ukraine continues to work on opening the next negotiation clusters. Separately, the president congratulated Moldova, which is also moving towards European integration.
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