The first cluster of negotiations regarding Ukraine's accession to the European Union may be opened as early as June 15. The European Commission also expects to open five more negotiation clusters in July; EU member states are discussing mechanisms that will allow Ukraine to receive some of the benefits of membership even before the full accession process to the bloc is completed. This was stated in Kyiv by the European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, reports UNN.
According to her, the European Commission expects the negotiation process to move forward quickly and for the next negotiation areas to open in the near future.
The first cluster of negotiations regarding Ukraine's accession to the EU is planned to be opened as early as June 15
She expressed hope that five more negotiation clusters could be opened as early as July.
Furthermore, according to the European Commissioner, European Union member states are currently discussing mechanisms that will allow Ukraine to receive certain benefits similar to those enjoyed by EU member states even before the completion of the full accession procedure.
Currently, EU member states are discussing how Ukraine can receive benefits similar to member countries even before full accession to the European Union
The opening of negotiation clusters is one of the key stages on Ukraine's path to EU membership and involves the start of detailed negotiations in specific areas of European legislation.
As a reminder
On June 3, the Cyprus presidency announced that it had "begun preparations for the official opening of Cluster 1 in the accession negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova."
"This marks an important milestone on their path to European integration and is a strong signal of EU unity and determination. In the coming days, we will continue to work hard to finalize discussions in the Council of the EU regarding the official opening of the cluster," the Cyprus presidency stated on X.
The Cyprus presidency indicated that, "guided by a merit-based approach, it is implementing enlargement, which is a strategic priority and one of the most transformative policies of the European Union."
This comes as Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced late Wednesday that Budapest had reached an agreement with Kyiv that would pave the way for the EU to begin accession negotiations with Ukraine.