The European Union has agreed to open the first accession negotiation cluster with Ukraine and Moldova, covering the fundamental values and principles of the EU, according to a joint statement by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa on 12 June 2026. The cluster on fundamentals includes rule of law, democratic institutions, and other core criteria. The first Intergovernmental Conference to formally open the cluster is scheduled for the following Monday.
The statement, published by the European External Action Service, marks a significant milestone in the enlargement process for both countries. It acknowledges the reform efforts undertaken by Ukraine and Moldova despite ongoing challenges. The leaders described enlargement as a strategic choice that strengthens peace, security, and prosperity across the continent, particularly in a context of global uncertainty.
This decision follows a series of steps in the accession process. Ukraine and Moldova were granted EU candidate status in June 2022, and accession negotiations were formally opened in December 2023. The agreement to open the first cluster represents the first substantive phase of negotiations, focusing on the foundational criteria that all member states must meet.
The cluster on fundamentals is considered the backbone of the accession process, covering areas such as the rule of law, justice reform, anti-corruption, and human rights. Progress in this cluster will determine the pace of negotiations in other areas. The statement did not specify a timeline for the next clusters, but the opening of this first cluster signals strong political support for further integration.
For Ukraine and Moldova, the agreement provides a clear roadmap for reforms and a tangible reward for their efforts, boosting domestic morale and international credibility. EU member states see this as a strategic investment in stability and security on the continent, though some may have concerns about the pace of enlargement and its implications for EU budgets and decision-making. EU institutions, particularly the Commission and the Council, will now need to manage the technical negotiations and monitor progress. Civil society in both candidate countries may view this as an opportunity to push for deeper democratic reforms, while business communities anticipate improved access to the EU single market in the long term.
No immediate follow-up was announced beyond the Intergovernmental Conference, but the agreement sets the stage for a structured negotiation process that could take several years.
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