Under the Cyprus EU Council Presidency, the European Union is moving ahead with the opening of the first Cluster of Chapters in the accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, within the framework of two Intergovernmental Conferences to be held on Monday, 15 June.
The development follows agreement among the Permanent Representatives of the EU member states, who capitalised on the momentum generated after Hungary lifted its two-year veto last week.
The first Cluster covers the fundamental values and principles underpinning the European Union, from the rule of law and democratic institutions to judicial independence. It represents the most substantive phase of the accession process, forming the backbone of the negotiations.
Cyprus proud of historic moment
In a statement, the Cyprus Presidency noted it is "proud to have driven forward this historic moment", adding: "As Presidency, we worked intensively to reach this outcome. This is a milestone and a recognition of the aspirations, resilience and hard work of the two candidates that have chosen Europe and its values. As we take this important step together, we reaffirm that the European Union is strongest when it stands united, principled and open to those committed to its values."
Decisive for future
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa described the development as decisive for the future of the EU. In a joint statement, they said: "Today, the European Union took a major step forward. All Member States agreed to open the first accession negotiations cluster with Ukraine and Moldova. At the first Intergovernmental Conference on Monday, we will open the cluster on fundamentals, the backbone of the accession process."
"This is a recognition of the determination, courage and hard work shown by both countries in advancing reforms, even in the face of immense challenges. And a signal that the EU's offer of peace, stability and opportunity is unmatchable," von der Leyen and Costa added. The two EU leaders described enlargement as "a strategic choice".
"By bringing our nations closer together, we strengthen peace, security and prosperity across our continent. In a world marked by growing uncertainty, a larger European Union is in our common interest. Enlargement remains one of the EU's greatest success stories and our best investment in our shared future," they concluded.
The Intergovernmental Conferences, the formal bilateral meetings at which representatives of EU member states and a candidate country conduct accession negotiations, will be held at ministerial level in Luxembourg, where EU Councils traditionally convene during the month of June.
Source: CNA
