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The 27 countries of the European Union have reached an agreement to open the first cluster of accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova, building on the momentum created after Hungary lifted its two-year veto last week.
The breakthrough was achieved on Friday evening by ambassadors in Brussels, who endorsed a common position to go ahead with the next phase of negotiations.
The position comes with a rule-of-law roadmap and an action plan on minority rights, the main bone of contention between Budapest and Kyiv. The action plan was amended to reflect the outcome of the consultations between the two sides.
The formal step will take place on Monday 15 June in Luxembourg, where the EU will hold separate intergovernmental conferences with the two candidates.
“This is a recognition of the determination, courage and hard work shown by both countries in advancing reforms, even in the face of immense challenges,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa said in a joint statement.
“Enlargement is a strategic choice. By bringing our nations closer together, we strengthen peace, security and prosperity across our continent.”
In total, the road to accession consists of six thematic clusters and 33 chapters.
The first cluster, known as “Fundamentals” because it covers the rule of law, human rights and the judiciary, marks the start of the complex process.
Ukraine is keen to open all the clusters this summer to show its war-weary population that the prospect of EU membership is within reach.
“We are grateful for the support and unity of all EU members,” Taras Kachka, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister for European integration, said. “Ukraine expects to open the following clusters shortly.”
The ambitious goal is shared by the European Commission and several member states. Cyprus, the country holding the rotating presidency, aims for an additional cluster before the end of the month.
“The quicker we open the other clusters, the better it is,” a senior EU diplomat said.
“Despite the difficult circumstances that Ukraine finds itself in, it’s important that the progress on reforms is maintained, because in the end, that’s the best guarantee for a smooth and quick accession process.”
However, the unlocking of the first cluster does not mean Ukraine’s accession will be fast-tracked to compensate for the two years under Hungary’s veto.
Member states want to preserve the integrity and credibility of the negotiations, which are supposed to be “merit-based”, and avoid experimental ideas like the “associate membership” recently proposed by the German Chancellor.
Friday’s decision also raises the question of how long Ukraine and Moldova will remain coupled as candidates.
This article has been updated.