On June 15, the European Union will host the inaugural intergovernmental conferences with Ukraine and Moldova, marking the opening of Cluster 1 “Foundations” in the EU accession negotiations.
This was announced on the page of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The Cypriot presidency’s communication states that this is a historic moment for the two candidate countries and the culmination of intensive efforts to advance the European Union’s enlargement process.
“This is a milestone and a recognition of the aspirations, resilience, and hard work of two candidates who have chosen Europe and its values,” the statement reads.
The “Foundations” cluster is one of the pivotal stages in the EU accession negotiation process. It encompasses matters of the rule of law, the functioning of democratic institutions, public administration, economic criteria, and the protection of fundamental rights.
Cyprus emphasized that the opening of the first cluster reaffirms the European Union’s commitment to its enlargement policy and its support for countries that share European values.
The intergovernmental conference will serve as the official commencement of the practical negotiation phase for Cluster 1 for Ukraine and Moldova. Further progress on the path to EU membership will hinge on the implementation of necessary reforms and the alignment of national legislation with European law.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the decision by EU member states to open the first cluster of accession negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova into the European Union.
According to her, the EU has taken a significant step forward today. She also highlighted that EU enlargement is a strategic choice that contributes to strengthening peace, security, and prosperity across the European continent.
“Enlargement remains one of the European Union’s greatest success stories and our best investment in a shared future,” emphasized Ursula von der Leyen.
President of the European Council Charles Michel echoed the sentiments of von der Leyen.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the European Union’s decision to open the first cluster of accession negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova into the EU, calling it crucial political and moral support for the Ukrainian state.
The Head of State thanked Ukraine’s defenders, citizens working for the country’s benefit, as well as European partners and leaders of EU member states for their support of Ukraine on its path to EU membership.
“Ukraine is defending itself and thereby the whole of Europe – the idea that European nations can live united, freely, and in peace,” stressed Zelenskyy.
The President noted that Ukraine is fulfilling all necessary obligations to advance the negotiation process and expects the European Union to uphold its commitments.
According to Zelenskyy, the opening of the first negotiation cluster is an important signal of support for Ukrainian society amidst the full-scale war.
On June 4, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine anticipates moving to the opening of negotiation clusters within the framework of the European Union accession process in June.
Source: suspilne.media