EU approves opening of sixth accession talks cluster for Ukraine
Photo: Taras Kachka (Getty Images)
The Committee of Permanent Representatives of the EU Member States (COREPER) has approved the opening of the sixth cluster in Ukraine's EU accession negotiations, according to Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka.
"Today's COREPER decision to endorse the opening of Cluster 6 "External Relations" is another imp. step in our EU accession negotiations," he wrote.
The sixth cluster covers the common security and defense policy, trade, humanitarian aid, and development cooperation.
According to Kachka, the final formal decision is expected on July 14 during the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC).
On June 15, the European Union officially opened the first negotiating cluster, "Fundamentals," as part of Ukraine's EU accession talks.
The European Parliament has backed Ukraine's further progress toward EU membership. At the same time, in its resolution, lawmakers drew separate attention to the decision to name one of the Armed Forces of Ukraine's units after the heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).
For more on the key challenges facing Ukraine on its path to EU membership, read RBC-Ukraine's article.
