If the pace of negotiations with Ukraine regarding EU membership is maintained, the European Union may be able to open all clusters in the negotiation process by this autumn.
This was stated by European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, ahead of the meeting of EU Foreign and Defense Ministers.
“Ukraine has done its ‘homework’ and is ready to open Cluster 1: ‘Fundamentals.’ The EU Council now has all the elements needed to make that decision. Last week, we submitted two additional screenings (of legislation) to the EU Council — for Cluster 2 and Cluster 6 — for both countries: Ukraine and Moldova. If we move forward as quickly as we have up to now, we can complete all screenings by autumn. This is also an important message for Ukraine: stay strong, keep fighting, continue fighting corruption, and defend the rule of law,” Kos emphasized.
When asked by journalists about Hungary’s objections to opening Cluster 1 in negotiations with Ukraine, the Commissioner noted that opening this “Fundamentals” cluster could actually help Hungary receive answers to its concerns about the rights of the Hungarian minority.
“Minority protection is fundamentally important for the European Union and a very important part of the negotiations. That’s why, in my view, it would be good to open Cluster 1: ‘Fundamentals.’ It could allow Hungary to get all the answers to its concerns regarding minorities in Ukraine. On the other hand, this is also about European security. We must seize this moment to continue reforms in Ukraine and give it a signal — what they are achieving is good, and we must continue the process of its accession to the EU,” the Commissioner stated.
She stressed that today’s ministerial-level discussion would focus on what Europe can do to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine — and do so quickly.
“Ukraine’s integration into the EU will be a key element of future security guarantees, once peace negotiations begin. I want to be very clear that this is not only about Ukraine’s security — it’s also about the security of Europe and the European Union. By safeguarding Ukraine’s security and continuing the process of its accession to the EU, we are also protecting Europe’s long-term security,” Kos emphasized.
