Hungary has agreed to launch the procedure for opening the sixth negotiation cluster regarding Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. According to RMF FM, Budapest has authorized sending an official letter to initiate the procedure for this cluster. This section covers foreign policy, security, trade policy, and relations with third countries. This move represents a tactical shift in the complex diplomatic game currently unfolding within the EU institutions.
However, this progress is limited. While the sixth cluster is moving forward, Hungary continues to maintain its veto on four other key clusters that were blocked back in June. It is essential to clarify that sending this letter does not immediately open negotiations; it is merely an initial administrative step. Following this, Ukraine and Moldova must submit their official positions, after which the EU will prepare draft common positions that require unanimous approval from all member states.
If the current timeline holds, the sixth negotiation chapter could be officially opened on July 14th during the meeting of EU Ministers for European Affairs. Meanwhile, the mood in Brussels is shifting away from the concept of opening all clusters simultaneously. An increasing number of member states are now advocating for a phased, step-by-step approach to the accession process. This change in policy suggests that Ukraine’s integration will be a gradual, rigorous process focused on specific sectors.
Despite the complexities and the ongoing resistance from certain capitals, the decision to unblock the sixth cluster indicates that diplomatic leverage remains effective. As European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has previously noted, the paths of candidate countries are increasingly becoming individualized based on their specific progress and compliance with the acquis communautaire. For Kyiv, this means continuing the structural reforms necessary to meet the demanding standards of the Union while maintaining the necessary security cooperation to survive the ongoing existential threat. The path to full membership remains challenging, but the diplomatic machinery is slowly turning in favor of European integration.