The European Union today officially opened the sixth cluster, “External Relations,” in negotiations with Ukraine on its accession to the bloc.
This was reported by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha.
“Today’s opening of Cluster 6, ‘External Relations,’ at the intergovernmental conference is another clear signal that Ukraine’s path to the EU is steadily moving forward. I thank the European Commission and all EU member states for their leadership and support, which made this milestone possible,” Sybiha wrote on the social platform X.
One of the two chapters within the sixth cluster—Chapter 31—falls under the remit of reforms at Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The minister added that in recent years Kyiv has achieved 99% alignment of Ukraine’s foreign policy with the EU’s course.
“This result gives hope for rapid progress. Ukraine remains fully committed to advancing reforms and achieving full alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. We look forward to maintaining this positive momentum with the opening of the remaining negotiating clusters. Together, we are building a stronger and safer Europe,” Sybiha concluded.
- On 15 June, all 27 EU member states agreed to open the first negotiating 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 negotiating cluster, which concerns external relations.