Belgium welcomes EU accession breakthrough for Ukraine and Moldova

04/06/2026

The opening of the first negotiation cluster for Ukraine and Moldova's EU accession are now within reach. As such, the European Union has an opportunity to send a "powerful signal" that it honours its commitments and that reform efforts are rewarded, Foreign minister Maxime Prévot wrote on X.

The Cypriot presidency of the Council of the EU set the process in motion on Wednesday evening to formally open the first negotiation cluster for both countries, after Hungary lifted its veto on Ukraine's accession. Moldova's path had been blocked alongside Ukraine's, as the two candidacies were closely linked. The breakthrough came after prime minister Peter Magyar announced an agreement on the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine.

"Belgium warmly welcomes this development," said Prévot. "We have consistently advocated for progress on the accession path of both countries. Ukraine and Moldova are making progress in fulfilling rule of law requirements despite the immense challenges they face. Ukraine is doing so while defending its very existence. Moldova while withstanding constant hybrid pressure."

A long and arduous road

Prévot said the time had come to move forward. "Opening the first cluster will send a powerful signal. One that Europe keeps its promises, and that reforms are recognised and rewarded," he said, cautioning that the road ahead would be "long and arduous." "But Belgium has full confidence that both countries will deliver. And we will support them at every step."

Also on Thursday, a European Commission spokesperson noted it had been working behind the scenes with Ukraine and Moldova for months in preparation for the official opening of the clusters, and was confident both countries had completed all the technical groundwork required.

Member states have yet to formally approve the opening of the first of six thematic clusters, which focuses on fundamental issues such as the rule of law and human rights. That decision is expected next week, with two separate intergovernmental conferences to follow on 15 June.

The ascension process could take between 10 and 15 years. EU member states are also divided over a fast-tracked process for Ukraine, which could see the country enter the bloc as soon as next year. Opponents include the Netherlands, France, Germany and Magyar's Hungary.