EU Opens First Accession Negotiation Cluster With Moldova and Ukraine

EU member states agreed on June 12 to open the first accession negotiations cluster — "Fundamentals," covering rule of law, fundamental rights, democratic institutions, public administration reform and economic criteria — with Moldova and Ukraine. The cluster formally opened June 15 in Luxembourg under the Cypriot EU Council presidency. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called it "a historic milestone on your European journey" during an EU-Moldova summit on June 22, recognising Moldova's reform progress despite Russian pressure. Moldova has stated a goal of being ready for accession by 2030.