Hungary Unblocks Sixth Cluster in EU Accession Talks with Ukraine
Hungary has agreed to open the sixth cluster in EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, but the remaining four clusters remain blocked.
According to Polish broadcaster RMF FM, Hungary has consented to the opening of the sixth cluster in EU accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova. This cluster covers external relations, including common foreign and security policy, trade policy, and relations with third countries.
The decision marks a partial softening of Hungary's stance, as Budapest had blocked all five remaining clusters on June 23. At that time, Hungary refused to allow the EU to send official letters to Kyiv and Chișinău launching the next negotiation phases.
However, this step does not signify the end of the problem—Hungary still rejects starting procedures for the other four clusters. This means President Volodymyr Zelensky's call to open all five clusters by July will not be met. Currently, only one cluster—"Fundamentals," covering rule of law and fundamental rights—is officially open.
Procedure for Opening the Sixth Cluster
Sending the letter does not yet mean the official start of negotiations in this area; it is merely the first procedural step. Ukraine and Moldova will now present their positions, after which the European Commission will draft joint negotiating positions that must receive unanimous support from all member states.
If subsequent steps proceed as planned, the official opening of the sixth cluster is expected on July 14 during a meeting of EU ministers for European affairs.
Gradual Approach Gains Support
According to RMF FM, there is no consensus in Brussels to open all clusters simultaneously. More countries are advocating a gradual negotiation process rather than acceleration. This group includes Poland, which supports opening clusters sequentially rather than all at once.
Earlier, Yevropeiska Pravda reported, citing sources, that Ukraine's plan to open all clusters in EU accession talks by July 2026 may fail due to lack of time for necessary negotiations and coordination. President Zelensky stated on July 1 that Ukraine, amid war, has fulfilled all required conditions to open all clusters and expressed hope that, despite disputes and complex relations, Poland and Hungary would not block Ukraine's European integration.
