EU and Ukraine open first accession negotiations cluster

EU and Ukraine open first accession negotiations cluster

Today, the EU and Ukraine reached a significant milestone by opening negotiations on the so-called 'fundamentals' cluster. This cluster covers the core values and principles on which the EU is built. It includes the EU acquis related to the rule of law and fundamental rights, the functioning of democratic institutions, public administration reform, and economic criteria.

Today's historic milestone is a highlight of the Cyprus presidency and sends a clear message: The future of Ukraine and its citizens is firmly anchored in the European Union. Today's Accession Conference also underscores Ukraine's steadfast commitment to European integration and recognises the substantial progress achieved in the face of unprecedented challenges. This is testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian people. At the same time, the commitments that Ukraine is taking today are critical for moving the accession process forward. Enlargement is not only a strategic opportunity for Ukraine, it is also a strategic investment in a stronger, more secure and more united Europe.

Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European affairs of the Republic of Cyprus

Cluster 1 'fundamentals' includes the following negotiating chapters:

• Chapter 23 - Judiciary and fundamental rights
• Chapter 24 - Justice, freedom and security
• Chapter 5 - Public procurement
• Chapter 18 - Statistics
• Chapter 32 - Financial control

The EU has set interim benchmarks both for the horizontal level of the cluster and for the rule of law chapters (23 and 24). These benchmarks will need to be met before the negotiating process can move into its concluding phase with the provisional closure of the chapter.

In addition, the EU set benchmarks for the provisional closure of the other chapters on public procurement, statistics and financial control (5, 18 and 32).

Negotiations on the Fundamentals cluster are the first ones to be opened and the last ones to be closed in the accession process. Progress under this cluster will determine the overall pace of negotiations.

The accession is a merit-based process. Monitoring of progress in the alignment with and implementation of the EU acquis and relevant European standards will continue throughout the negotiations.

Background

Following the introduction of the revised methodology for accession negotiations in 2020, negotiating chapters are divided in 6 thematic clusters:

• Fundamentals
• Internal market
• Competitiveness and inclusive growth
• Green agenda and sustainable connectivity
• Resources, agriculture and cohesion
• External relations
• EU common position on Cluster 1 : Fundamentals
• Statement by President Costa and President Von der Leyen on the agreement to open the first accession negotiations cluster with Ukraine and Moldova, 12 June 2026
• EU opens accession negotiations with Ukraine (press release, 25 June 2024)
• Ukraine (background information)

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