The European Union’s Intergovernmental Conference is expected to officially approve the opening of the sixth negotiation cluster as part of Ukraine’s EU accession process on 14 July.
This was reported by Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Taras Kachka.
According to him, the Council of the European Union’s preparatory body has already agreed on the relevant decision.
“Cluster 6 is particularly important in today’s global security environment. It covers the common security and defence policy, trade, humanitarian aid, development cooperation, as well as bringing Ukraine closer to the EU’s common foreign and security policy. Now we are looking forward to the official decision on 14 July,” Kachka said.
Support for further EU enlargement was also voiced by Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne.
According to him, the country holding the EU presidency until the end of 2026 is working to advance accession talks with new states.
“On Tuesday, I will look with great hope for positive progress in the accession process of Ukraine, Moldova, Albania and Montenegro,” Byrne said.
- On 15 June, all 27 EU member states agreed to open the first negotiation cluster on the accession of Ukraine and Moldova to the EU.
- On 3 July, Hungary agreed to send Kyiv and Chisinau an official letter that launches the procedure for opening the sixth negotiation cluster, which concerns external relations.