EU opens first accession negotiation cluster with Moldova and Ukraine
The European Union will initiate the first cluster of accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. This agreement was reached by all member states on Friday, June 12. The announcement was made by António Costa, the President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission. The first set of negotiating chapters, which focus on fundamental values and the rule of law, is scheduled to be officially launched on Monday during the Intergovernmental Conference.
According to a joint statement, "all member states have agreed to open the first cluster of accession negotiations with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova."
European leaders announced that during the intergovernmental meeting scheduled for Monday, they would open the cluster on "foundations," which is described as "the backbone of the accession process."*
This cluster addresses the basic values and principles on which the European Union is built, ranging from the rule of law to strong democratic institutions.
António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen highlighted that this decision recognizes the efforts made by the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine in their reform processes, despite the challenges both countries have faced.
"This acknowledges the determination, courage, and hard work exhibited by both countries in advancing reforms, even in the face of significant challenges," the two leaders stated.
Additionally, European leaders emphasized that this stage conveys an important political message regarding the attractiveness of the European project.
"It signals that the European Union's offer of peace, stability, and opportunities is unparalleled," the statement continued.
European officials reiterated that the enlargement of the European Union remains a strategic priority, arguing that closer ties among European states help strengthen the continent's security and prosperity.
"In a world marked by increasing uncertainties, a larger European Union is in our common interest," Costa and von der Leyen said, adding that "enlargement remains one of the EU's greatest success stories and the best investment in our common future."
Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Cristina Gherasimov, said, "The European Union has taken another significant step in the negotiation process with our country."
“Today, the 27 member states unanimously adopted the common negotiating position for the official opening of the first group of chapters—‘Fundamental Values,’ the cluster that underpins the entire accession preparation process,” Gherasimov noted.
She emphasized that this decision “confirms the recognition of the reforms carried out and the progress made by our country, as well as the trust of the 27 EU member states in Moldova and its citizens.”
The Intergovernmental Conference between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union will take place on Monday, June 15, in Luxembourg, with Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu leading the Moldovan delegation.
