Brussels: The European Union announced on Friday that member states had agreed to open the first cluster of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, marking a new step in the bloc's enlargement process.

According to Anadolu Agency, a joint statement from European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen revealed that an intergovernmental conference scheduled for Monday would formally launch negotiations on the "fundamentals" cluster. This initial cluster covers critical areas such as the rule of law and democratic institutions.

"This is a recognition of the determination, courage and hard work shown by both countries in advancing reforms, even in the face of immense challenges. And a signal that the EU's offer of peace, stability and opportunity is unmatchable," their statement read. They described the cluster as "the backbone of the accession process," emphasizing its focus on the core values and principles on which the EU is built.

The leaders highlighted the strategic importance of enlargement, stating that bringing European nations closer together would fortify peace, security, and prosperity across the continent. "In a world marked by growing uncertainty, a larger European Union is in our common interest. Enlargement remains one of the EU's greatest success stories and our best investment in our shared future," they affirmed.

Moldova applied for EU membership in March 2022 and received candidate status in June of the same year. Ukraine submitted its application shortly after the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, gaining candidate status later that year and formally opening accession negotiations in 2024.