EU member states have unanimously agreed to open the first cluster of negotiations on Ukraine's and Moldova's accession to the bloc, a European Commission statement said on June 15. 

The decision moves the accession process for the two countries beyond the legislative screening stage and into substantive negotiations aimed at aligning their laws and institutions with EU standards.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the first intergovernmental conference scheduled for June 15 would formally open the Fundamental" cluster for both Ukraine and Moldova.

The cluster is widely regarded as the cornerstone of the accession process, covering key areas such as the rule of law, democratic governance, judicial reform, human rights and the functioning of state institutions. Progress in these areas is closely monitored by Brussels and is often considered decisive for the success of membership negotiations.

The decision to open the cluster "is a recognition of the determination, courage and hard work shown by both countries in advancing reforms, even in the face of immense challenges," said a joint statement from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President Antonio Costa.

"And a signal that the EU's offer of peace, stability and opportunity is unmatchable. Enlargement is a strategic choice. By bringing our nations closer together, we strengthen peace, security and prosperity across our continent," the statement added. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy welcomed the decision, describing it as "significant political and moral support for our state and our people" at a time when Ukraine continues to wage war while pursuing ambitious political and economic reforms, reported Ukraine Business News.

Moldova's President Maia Sandu commented: “Today, the Republic of Moldova has taken another step on its European path: we have opened negotiations on the first group of chapters, Fundamental Values.” She added that "the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union is no longer a distant goal, but a reality that we are already building". 

Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka said Kyiv hopes to maintain the momentum and believes all six accession negotiation clusters could be opened during June and July 2026.

Ukraine was granted EU candidate status in 2022 and formally launched accession talks in 2024. However, progress had been slowed by objections from Hungary, which raised concerns over the rights of the ethnic Hungarian minority living in Ukraine's Transcarpathia region.

The breakthrough came after Kyiv and Budapest concluded an agreement addressing educational, cultural, linguistic and political rights for the approximately 100,000-member Hungarian community in western Ukraine. The accord paved the way for Hungary to lift its objections and support the opening of the first negotiation cluster.

The move is expected to accelerate Ukraine's integration with the EU, although officials in Brussels continue to stress that accession remains a merit-based process requiring extensive reforms across governance, judicial and economic sectors before membership can be achieved.