politics
EU Opens One Accession Cluster with Ukraine and Moldova, Four Remain Blocked
The 27 member states endorsed the step on 10 July 2026 after ambassadors met in the afternoon. Formal ceremonies are set for 14 July in Brussels, leaving four clusters still blocked.
Jul 10, 9:25 AM·1m read1 source
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The 27 EU member states unanimously agreed on 10 July 2026 to open cluster six of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. The cluster covers external relations. EU ambassadors endorsed the common position during a meeting on Friday afternoon.
Ireland, which holds the EU Council's rotating presidency, confirmed the decision. Formal ceremonies to open the cluster will take place separately on 14 July in Brussels. The step follows Hungary's change of government, which ended two years of obstruction after new Prime Minister Péter Magyar lifted the veto on Ukraine's accession in early June 2026.
Cluster one, known as fundamentals, opened after the veto was lifted. Four clusters remain blocked: cluster two on the internal market, cluster three on competitiveness and inclusive growth, cluster four on the green agenda and sustainable connectivity, and cluster five on resources, agriculture and cohesion.
The European Commission considers both Ukraine and Moldova technically ready to open all remaining clusters.
Kyiv has pushed to advance all steps before the summer break. Magyar has expressed reservations about fast-tracked accession, arguing it would undermine talks with the Western Balkans. The remaining clusters will be tackled one by one from September 2026 onwards.
