The Cypriot Presidency of the European Union announced the launch of a procedure that will lead to the formal opening of the first cluster in accession negotiations with Moldova and Ukraine. The decision breaks the deadlock for which Hungary under Viktor Orban's government was previously responsible.
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— This is an important milestone on the path to the European integration of these countries and a strong signal of the EU's unity and determination – declared the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Six clusters on the way to membership
The procedure for joining the Community involves the country applying for membership conducting talks within six thematic areas called clusters. The first of them is the package on fundamental issues and it is the last stage to be closed. It includes, among others: the rule of law, the functioning of democratic institutions and mechanisms for combating corruption.
So far, the opening of this stage of talks with Ukraine has been blocked by Hungary, led by Viktor Orban. The situation changed after Peter Magyar took power and after Budapest initiated bilateral expert consultations with the Ukrainian authorities. These talks concerned the status of the Hungarian minority living in Transcarpathia (over 100,000 people).
Agreement between Budapest and Kiev on Transcarpathia
Just before the presidency's announcement, Magyar spoke about progress in Ukraine's accession process. The politician announced that his government had concluded a broad agreement with the Ukrainian authorities regulating the rights of the Hungarian minority. It covers linguistic, educational, cultural and political issues of the community living in Transcarpathia.
Progress in EU talks also concerns Moldovawhose perspective of EU membership remains closely linked to Ukraine's accession path.
