Ukraine moves closer to EU membership as two more negotiation chapters open
Ukraine makes fresh progress toward EU membership despite Russia's ongoing war (illustrative photo: RBC-Ukraine collage)
Ukraine will be able to conduct EU accession negotiations in two additional clusters: Internal Market and Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.
Zelenskyy on the opening of negotiation clusters
The president noted that on October 13, Ukraine took another important step toward EU membership by opening clusters 2 and 3.
"Thank you to Micheál Martin, António Costa, Ursula von der Leyen, and every EU Member State for their support," the president said.
Zelenskyy emphasized that European countries are stronger together.
"It is important that all of us build on this momentum to open the remaining two clusters by the end of the year so that all six negotiating clusters are opened. Ukraine deserves this. Thank you to everyone who supports Ukraine!" he said.
Ukrainians pave their way to the EU
Marta Kos noted that despite Russia's relentless aggression, "Ukrainians continue to pave their path to EU membership."
"Today, we recognized this progress by opening two more negotiating clusters: Internal Market and Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth," she said.
According to Kos, reforms under these clusters will help:
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Prepare for Ukraine's reconstruction;
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Attract investment;
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Modernize the economy;
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Create jobs.
"As one of our frontrunners, we are determined to continue supporting Ukraine and keep this progress going," Kos said.
The European Union is preparing indicative roadmaps for four EU candidate countries: Montenegro, Albania, Moldova, and Ukraine. However, Ukraine's roadmap will differ from the others.
In addition, Ukraine's EU accession process continues to move forward step by step. Hungary has given the green light to negotiations on two more clusters.
