Von der Leyen Says Ukraine's EU Cluster 2 Is Ready to Open After Cluster 6 Launch
Updated
Updated · Ukrinform · Jul 15
Von der Leyen Says Ukraine's EU Cluster 2 Is Ready to Open After Cluster 6 Launch
2 articles · Updated · Ukrinform · Jul 15
Summary
Cluster 2 on the EU internal market is ready to be opened for Ukraine, Ursula von der Leyen said in Kyiv, adding the remaining accession clusters should move ahead "as soon as possible."
Ukraine reached that point because it has already completed part of the internal-market work through its DCFTA with the EU and reforms tied to the Ukraine Facility, she said.
The assessment comes a day after the EU formally opened Cluster 6 — External Relations — at an intergovernmental conference on July 14.
Kyiv had hoped more negotiation clusters would be opened by now, but Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka has said Ukraine remains broadly satisfied with the accession pace and will keep pushing reforms.
Can the EU reform itself fast enough to absorb Ukraine, or will internal gridlock create a two-tiered Europe?
With anti-corruption reforms stalling, is Ukraine's EU dream at risk of being indefinitely postponed or downgraded?
Ukraine’s Path to EU Membership: 2026 Milestones, Internal Market Reforms, and Geopolitical Risks
Overview
Cluster 2, focused on the Internal Market, is central to Ukraine’s EU accession, aiming to create fair and open trade conditions with the EU. Ukraine has a strong starting point here, thanks to its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement and support from the €50 billion Ukraine Facility. The European Commission recognizes Ukraine’s progress, stating that Cluster 2 is ready for negotiations. However, joining the EU’s internal market requires Ukraine to implement extensive reforms and align with EU laws. This process is challenging, especially during wartime, but it promises significant economic benefits and deeper integration with the EU.