Ukraine may open two new EU negotiation clusters as Hungary lifts veto
Photo source: Telegram / Zelenskiy / Official
Hungary has lifted its veto on Ukraine's further progress toward EU accession. Budapest agreed to open negotiations on Cluster 2, "Internal Market," and Cluster 3, "Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth," which it previously blocked.
According to Rubryka, European Pravda reported the development, citing an EU source familiar with the negotiations.
The decision regarding Ukraine's next steps has already passed the necessary procedural stages.
"The COELA group [the EU Council Working Party on Enlargement and Countries Negotiating Accession to the EU] approved the screening results for Clusters 2 and 3 for Ukraine, and today at Coreper, ambassadors of EU member states agreed to send letters to the governments of Ukraine and Moldova regarding the presentation of negotiation positions," the publication noted.
In the coming days, COELA is scheduled to draft the EU's negotiation position on both clusters.
According to the publication's source, further procedural steps could proceed quite rapidly. EU member states are expected to approve the negotiation position on opening the clusters as early as October 12, after the Verkhovna Rada passes legislative amendments regarding education in minority languages.
If this occurs, an Intergovernmental Conference between Ukraine and the EU could take place on October 13, during which officials can formally open the second and third negotiation clusters.
Background
As Rubryka reported, on September 30, 2025, Ukraine, together with the European Commission, concluded bilateral meetings as part of the official screening process to assess the alignment of Ukrainian legislation with the EU acquis.
As a reminder, on June 15, all European Union member states agreed to open the first cluster of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. Named "Fundamentals," this cluster serves as the core foundation, addressing justice and fundamental rights. Opening this cluster marked the start of substantive EU accession negotiations for Ukraine.
Under the established procedure, the remaining five clusters should be opened as follows: "Internal Market," "Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth," "Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity," "Resources, Agriculture and Cohesion Policies," and "External Relations." Ukraine stands ready to open all remaining clusters this month.
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