Historic step forward: MEPs welcome opening Fundamentals cluster in talks with Ukraine and Moldova
The opening of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova under the first negotiation cluster marks a historic step forward, a group of Members of the European Parliament has said.
According to Ukrinform, the joint statement was signed by David McAllister, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs; Pekka Toveri, Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee; Siegfried Mureșan, Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee; Michael Gahler, Committee on Foreign Affairs' Standing Rapporteur on Ukraine; and Sven Mikser, Committee on Foreign Affairs' Standing Rapporteur on Moldova.
"We warmly welcome the opening of accession negotiations on Cluster 1 – Fundamental Values with Ukraine and Moldova and the respective Intergovernmental Conferences taking place. This marks a new stage in the EU path of the two candidate countries after a unanimous decision by the EU Member States," the lawmakers stated.
They emphasized that Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova have demonstrated remarkable determination and resilience in advancing their reform agendas, and that today's decision is "a well-deserved recognition of that commitment and of the great progress already achieved through technical negotiations."
The MEPs noted that opening the Fundamentals cluster – the backbone of the accession process – highlights the importance of the core values and principles upon which the European Union is built: the rule of law, strong democratic institutions, and fundamental rights. They expressed confidence that the Ukrainian and Moldovan authorities would do everything possible to fulfill their commitments throughout the accession process.
"In the face of increasing external threats, enlargement is one of our strongest instruments for strengthening peace, security, and prosperity across our continent. It remains one of the EU’s greatest achievements and our most powerful investment in a shared future. A larger and more cohesive European Union serves our common interests," the statement reads.
The MEPs stressed that, in this context, the EU should continue to prioritize a merit-based enlargement process.
"Despite the destructive Russian war of aggression, Ukraine continues to make progress on the EU accession path advancing on important reforms. Moldova has continued to pursue reforms with courage and determination even in the face of immense geopolitical pressure and internal challenges," they said.
The signatories reiterated that the European Parliament remains firmly committed to supporting Ukraine and Moldova on their European integration paths.
"We will continue to support their European path and ambitious reform agenda, as well as to work closely with all institutions to ensure that this process moves forward swiftly, fairly, and with the ambition that this historic opportunity demands," they concluded.
As previously reported by Ukrinform, the opening of the first cluster in accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova is considered a major milestone in the EU enlargement process, and there is hope that all remaining clusters could also be opened as early as July.
Photo: European Union