President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine counts on further progress in EU accession negotiations without wasting time and may open five more negotiation clusters in the near future, reports UNN.
Details
Zelenskyy thanked European leaders for opening the first negotiation cluster within the framework of Ukraine's EU accession talks. According to him, this was an important decision during the Cypriot presidency of the Council of the European Union.
"I thank all European leaders for opening the first negotiation cluster within the framework of Ukraine's EU accession talks. This was an important decision during the Cypriot presidency, and now we must move forward. We count on this — on moving forward without wasting time "
The head of state emphasized that Ukraine expects the remaining negotiation clusters to be opened in the near future.
"We can open five more clusters very soon and continue the negotiations practically "
The President of Ukraine added that major political decisions still lie ahead, but the very fact of opening new clusters is an important signal for Ukrainian society.
"And, of course, the biggest political decisions are still ahead, but steps like opening new clusters strengthen the motivation of our people. They lift the spirit of Ukrainians and show that the EU is keeping its promises. It is very important to keep promises. That is exactly how it should be "
Context
On June 15, 2026, the EU and Ukraine opened the first negotiation cluster — "Fundamentals". It concerns the basic principles on which the European Union is built, including the rule of law, fundamental rights, the functioning of democratic institutions, public administration reform, and economic criteria.
This cluster covers negotiation chapters on the judiciary and fundamental rights, justice, freedom and security, public procurement, statistics, and financial control. According to the EU enlargement methodology, the "Fundamentals" cluster is opened first and closed last, and progress on it determines the overall pace of the negotiation process.
Ukraine applied for EU membership on February 28, 2022, received candidate status in June 2022, formally began accession negotiations in June 2024, and completed the bilateral screening process with the European Commission in September 2025.
Ireland began its presidency of the Council of the EU on July 1, 2026. Its six-month mandate will last until December 31, 2026. During the presidency, the country coordinates the work of the Council of the EU, chairs meetings, and helps member states reach political agreements.
Recall
Prime Minister of Ireland Micheál Martin stated that Ukraine could join the EU even during the war with russia. He emphasized support for sanctions and the priority of Ukraine's membership.