EU to Begin Accession Negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova

EU ambassadors from all 27 member states agreed Friday to begin the first block of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. According to European Council President António Costa, these talks start Monday and focus on the “fundamental cluster,” which establishes the rule of law and democratic institutions.

Why are Ukraine and Moldova starting EU accession talks now?

The decision follows a diplomatic breakthrough that removed a long-standing obstacle. According to the news agency AFP, Hungary had previously blocked the accession process for Ukraine. The deadlock ended after the appointment of new Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar and a subsequent agreement with Kyiv to expand rights for the 100,000-strong Hungarian minority living in Ukraine.

European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the move as a “significant step forward” in a joint statement. They characterized the enlargement as a strategic decision intended to strengthen peace, security, and prosperity across the continent.

Did you know? The EU accession process isn’t a single conversation. It is divided into “clusters”—groups of related policy chapters—that must be opened and closed sequentially.

What is the “Fundamental Cluster” and how does the process work?

The talks beginning Monday center on the “fundamental cluster,” which Costa described as the “backbone of the accession process.” This specific block covers the core values of the EU, including the rule of law and the strength of democratic institutions.

Before these clusters can open, candidate countries must undergo “screening.” This is the process of assessing how closely a nation’s current laws align with EU norms. According to reports, Ukraine officially began these talks in June 2024 under the Belgian presidency.

The EU uses a six-cluster system for these negotiations:

Cluster 1: Fundamentals (Rule of law, democratic institutions)
Cluster 2: Internal Market
Cluster 3: Competitiveness and Growth
Cluster 4: Environment, Energy, and Transport
Cluster 5: Agriculture and Cohesion
Cluster 6: External Relations (Foreign, security, and defense policy)

Which requirements have Ukraine and Moldova already met?

Both nations have made rapid progress. A November report from the European Commission indicated that Ukraine met the necessary conditions to open the first, second, and sixth clusters.

Moldova has mirrored this progress. EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kosová stated in November that Moldova completed its screening process despite facing constant hybrid threats and attempts at destabilization. Like Ukraine, Moldova met the requirements to open three clusters.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked EU partners on X, stating that the EU is “keeping its word.” Moldovan President Maia Sandu also welcomed the decision and pledged to continue domestic reforms.

Pro Tip: To track the actual speed of accession, watch for the “closing” of chapters. Opening a cluster starts the conversation, but closing it means the EU has formally accepted the country’s legal reforms in that area.

What happens next for the accession process?

The immediate next step is the first intergovernmental conference on Monday. However, the path to full membership remains rigorous. Every single chapter within the clusters requires the unanimous consent of all 27 EU member states to be opened and closed.

EU agrees to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova

While the removal of the Hungarian block is a major milestone, the process now shifts from political agreement to technical compliance. Both Kyiv and Chisinau must prove they can sustain the reforms required by the “fundamental cluster” while managing ongoing regional instability.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do the accession talks officially start?

According to European Council President António Costa, the first intergovernmental conference begins this Monday.

Who was blocking Ukraine’s progress previously?

Hungary blocked the process until a comprehensive agreement was reached regarding the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine, following the appointment of PM Péter Magyar.

What is the “screening” process?

Screening is the technical evaluation of a candidate country’s legislation to determine how much it needs to change to comply with European Union standards.

Which EU clusters are Ukraine and Moldova ready for?

According to the European Commission and Commissioner Marta Kosová, both countries have met the conditions to open the first (Fundamentals), second (Internal Market), and sixth (External Relations) clusters.

What do you think about the EU’s expansion toward the East? Do you believe the “fundamental cluster” reforms can be achieved quickly? Let us know in the comments or subscribe to our newsletter for more geopolitical updates.