Ukraine and Moldova Launch EU Accession Negotiations (osw.waw.pl)

• First negotiating cluster (Fundamentals) opened for Ukraine and Moldova
• Hungarian veto lifted after minority rights agreement with Ukraine
• Remaining clusters expected in July 2026; reform implementation slow

"On 15 June 2026, Luxembourg hosted the first Intergovernmental Conferences between the EU and Ukraine and between the EU and Moldova, opening the first negotiating cluster (Fundamentals). This follows Hungary lifting its nearly two-year veto after an agreement on Hungarian minority rights in Ukraine was approved on 12 June. The opening marks a milestone, though the accession path remains long. Remaining five clusters are expected to open in July 2026. Reform progress in both countries faces challenges."