Ukraine expects the European Union to open the first negotiating clusters for accession talks in June, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on 26 April, setting out a clear timeframe for the next stage of the country’s EU bid.
Speaking to journalists, Zelenskyy said Ukraine has already completed all necessary preparatory steps and now expects political decisions from EU leaders.
“We have done everything. From our side, from the government and parliament, everything is done,” he said, according to a statement cited by Suspilne.
June seen as key window for launch
Zelenskyy said the opening of clusters – the structured negotiation areas that form the basis of EU accession talks – could take place between late May and June, with June seen as the most likely timeframe.
“We see approximate dates. It could be in June,” he said.
Next step in a long accession process
Ukraine was granted EU candidate status in 2022, but the start of negotiations has been delayed by internal divisions within the bloc, including vetoes from member states, namely Hungary, that blocked progress for years.
Key disputes have centred on enlargement politics inside the EU, with concerns in several capitals over decision-making capacity, sequencing of reforms, and how quickly new members could be integrated into existing structures.
The expected opening of clusters would mark the transition into the next phase of talks, covering core policy areas such as rule of law, governance, and economic reform.
Momentum building in EU-Ukraine track
Earlier this week, Ukrainian officials told Politico they expected progress in late May or early June on launching the first negotiating clusters, as EU institutions prepare decisions on the next steps of the accession process.
Kyiv has also tied its expectations to broader EU developments, including financial and sanctions decisions taken this month in support of Ukraine.
Despite the renewed momentum, full EU membership remains a multi-year process requiring unanimous approval from all member states and sustained reforms across Ukraine’s political and legal systems.
