EU opens two more accession clusters for Ukraine and Moldova in Luxembourg

In Luxembourg on October 13, EU foreign ministers endorsed the opening of two additional accession clusters for Ukraine and Moldova, covering the internal market and competitiveness and inclusive growth. Hungary lifted its veto after the Ukrainian parliament approved a law on minority-language education, clearing the path for the expansion. The two countries now have 24 of the 33 required policy chapters open, and the EU plans to start talks on the green agenda and agriculture clusters before the year ends.

Moldova targets completing technical negotiations by 2028 and joining the Union by 2030, a timetable the Commission deems feasible. Kyiv seeks the same schedule, but ongoing war, agricultural concerns, and corruption scandals make the 2030 goal uncertain. EU officials highlighted the need to maintain momentum and pledged continued support for both candidates.