EU to open two negotiation clusters with Ukraine and Moldova on 13 October

The European Union has agreed to open two negotiating clusters with Ukraine and Moldova, with the formal talks on the clusters covering the internal market and competitiveness scheduled to begin on 13 October.

Next step in enlargement process

EU representatives reached the decision this week to launch the two clusters, which will bundle several negotiation chapters into thematic groupings as part of the accession process for the two countries.

Earlier this month media reports said that Hungary had signalled consent to remove its veto for this stage of the talks, clearing the way for the clusters to be activated on the agreed date.

For Ukraine the negotiation chapters are organised into six thematic clusters: "Foundations", "Internal Market", "Competitiveness and inclusive economic growth", "Green agenda and sustainable connectivity", "Resources, agriculture and cohesion" and "External relations". These thematic areas are divided across 33 chapters in total.

The EU's enlargement framework requires that all member states give their assent at each step of the process, meaning unanimity is necessary for the opening of clusters or chapters.

Photo: press material from the event