EU opens two more Ukraine accession clusters as Hungary lifts veto
European Union member states unanimously agreed to open negotiating clusters 2 and 3 for Ukraine on 13 October. The decision followed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's signing of amendments to a minority-language education law, a move specifically sought by Hungary to unblock accession talks. These new clusters cover the internal market and competitiveness. This advancement means 4 of 6 integration to-do lists are now unlocked for Ukraine. The agreement allows both Ukraine and Moldova to begin talks on these clusters during a conference in Luxembourg.
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- ✓ EU member states unanimously agreed to open negotiating clusters 2 and 3 for Ukraine.
- ✓ The EU formally opened these clusters on 13 October.
- ✓ President Zelenskyy signed amendments to an education law for national minorities to unblock accession talks.
- ✓ The newly opened clusters cover the internal market and competitiveness.
What changed
The EU formally opened negotiation clusters 2 and 3 after Ukraine passed a minority rights law to end Hungary's veto.
Live updates
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EU opens two more accession clusters for Ukraine as Hungary lifts veto
European Union member states unanimously agreed to open negotiating clusters 2 and 3 for Ukraine on 13 October. The decision followed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's signing of amendments to a minority-language education law, a move specifically sought by Hungary to unblock accession talks. These new clusters cover the internal market and competitiveness. This advancement means 4 of 6 integration to-do lists are now unlocked for Ukraine. The agreement allows both Ukraine and Moldova to begin talks on these clusters during a conference in Luxembourg.
Why it matters
Hungary had previously vetoed progress in Ukraine's EU bid over concerns regarding the rights of national minorities. The adoption of the education law is viewed by Hungarian officials as a first step toward rebuilding mutual trust between the two nations.
What is confirmed
- EU member states unanimously agreed to open negotiating clusters 2 and 3 for Ukraine.
- The EU formally opened these clusters on 13 October.
- President Zelenskyy signed amendments to an education law for national minorities to unblock accession talks.
- The newly opened clusters cover the internal market and competitiveness.
- Ukraine has now unlocked 4 of 6 integration to-do lists.
Still unconfirmed
- Hungary and Bulgaria have watered down the ambition of Ukraine's EU membership bid.
What to watch next
- Negotiation outcomes from the Luxembourg conference regarding clusters 2 and 3.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (19)
- Euronews.com — Ukraine passes minority rights law to end Hungary’s EU veto
- Українська правда — Zelenskyy signs education law amendments sought by Hungary to unblock Ukraine's EU accession talks
- Kyiv Post — EU States Unanimously Agree to Open 2 New Accession Clusters for Ukraine
- Le Monde.fr — Ukraine's EU accession bid advances with new chapter
- Euronews.com — EU opens two more Ukraine accession clusters as Hungary lifts veto
- Reuters — Ukraine takes step forward in EU membership talks after Hungary drops objections
- The Kyiv Independent — Ukraine advances EU membership bid with 4 of 6 integration to-do lists unlocked
- Українська правда — All EU member states agree to open negotiating clusters 2 and 3 for Ukraine
- Українська правда — Hungarian PM reacts to Ukraine's adoption of amendments to law on education for national minorities
- The Kyiv Independent — Exclusive: Hungary, Bulgaria, water down ambition on Ukraine's EU membership bid — again
- mezha.net — Chentsov: Ukraine’s accession to the EU will strengthen the European Union
- www.euronews.com — French debt | Euronews
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