The EU is preparing the official launch of Cluster 1 for Ukraine: what does this mean?
4 June 10:16
On June 3 in Cyprus, European foreign ministers officially endorsed preparations for the launch of the first negotiation cluster on the accession of Ukraine and Moldova to the European Union. This was reported by the press service of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
“Today, the Cyprus Presidency initiated 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 sends a strong signal of the EU’s unity and determination,” the statement reads.
Discussions regarding the official start of negotiations in this area are expected to be concluded in the EU Council in the coming days.
According to Reuters, the European Union is preparing to formally launch negotiations primarily in areas related to the rule of law, democratic standards, and basic institutional reforms.
These issues fall under Cluster 1, “Foundations,” which is considered the starting point and a key stage on the path to membership.
What is Cluster 1 “Fundamentals”?
The first negotiation cluster in the EU accession process covers fundamental issues: the rule of law, the functioning of democratic institutions, public administration, the judicial system, and basic human rights standards.
The opening of this cluster means that Ukraine is moving from political declarations and screening to a formalized stage of negotiations on specific reforms and membership criteria.
According to media reports, two separate intergovernmental conferences—one for Ukraine and one for Moldova—are scheduled to take place in Luxembourg on June 15 specifically for the official opening of the first cluster.
Prior to this, the EU Council must approve the EU’s common negotiating position on Cluster 1 for Ukraine and Moldova. The Cypriot presidency is currently working to finalize these internal discussions.
Why this has become possible right now
One of the key obstacles to Ukraine’s progress toward opening the first cluster was Hungary’s position. But on June 3, Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar stated that Hungary is ready to unblock Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
He noted that Budapest and Kyiv had reached an important agreement regarding the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine.
According to Magyar, after several weeks of negotiations, the parties agreed to expand the linguistic, educational, cultural, and political rights of the Hungarian community in Zakarpattia. If Ukraine fulfills its commitments and enacts the legislative changes, the Hungarian government is ready to support the opening of the first negotiation cluster.
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What Ukraine Says
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga thanked Cyprus for its leadership in advancing the European integration process and specifically noted the support of EU member states, the European Commission, and European institutions.
Sybiga also spoke positively about Hungary’s constructive engagement.
“We are opening a new chapter in Ukraine-Hungary relations—one built on mutual respect, trust, and our shared European future,” the minister added.
What the decision means for Ukraine
The launch of the official procedure to open Chapter 1 is an important political signal that Ukraine’s EU accession process is moving forward not only at the level of declarations but also through concrete decisions. Reuters notes that Cyprus, which currently holds the EU Council presidency, has already begun formal preparations for this step.
For Ukraine, this means an intensification of the negotiation process and a transition to the next stage of European integration. At the same time, further progress will still depend on the implementation of reforms, internal EU decisions, and the maintenance of unanimous support from all member states.
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