Today, we celebrate Europe Day, which honors unity and democratic values. Ukrainians make this pro-European choice every day — and pay for it with their lives — in favor of European identity and democracy.

Since 2023, Ukraine has officially celebrated Europe Day. The decision was made “in recognition of the European identity of the Ukrainian people, to strengthen the unity of European nations, and ensure peace, security, and stability on the European continent.”

Today, we are closer than ever to joining the European family. Over the past 10 years, Ukraine has fulfilled 81% of its obligations under the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union. Ahead lies the official opening of negotiations on the first and most important negotiation cluster.*

* The fundamental cluster is the opening and the closing one of six negotiation clusters and defines the basic framework for EU accession talks.

However, a week ago, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos stated in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that the European Union was considering separating Moldova’s and Ukraine’s accession applications. Although the commissioner retracted her statement two days later, this moment calls for reflection on why such statements are emerging and what risks they might pose to Ukraine’s European integration process.

Accession Based on Achievements: What Does a Merit-Based Approach Mean?

Let us begin with the basic principles of European integration.

A candidate country’s progress toward full EU membership is based on its achievements — a merit-based approach. This is not only a matter of fairness or methodological soundness but also of pragmatism. Olga Lymar, Executive Director of the RPR Coalition, explains:

 “First, this approach helps prevent political manipulation, provided that current EU member states might exercise their veto power arbitrarily. Second, it preserves trust in the Union’s procedures and policies. Maintaining confidence in the EU enlargement process is impossible without applying a fair procedure equally to all candidate countries. Otherwise, such selectivity may begin to undermine the Union from within — and in turbulent times like ours, that poses a security threat.”

Since Ukraine has already fulfilled 81% of its obligations under the EU Association Agreement, it is time to move forward. So why, despite this merit-based approach, have there been talks of splitting the negotiation tracks of Moldova and Ukraine? The answer lies in Hungary’s obstruction of Ukraine’s EU accession.

Negotiations with Hungary

Hungarian government officials have repeatedly claimed that “Ukraine’s EU membership would be a burden both for the bloc and for Hungary.”

The interview with Commissioner Marta Kos appeared just as a Ukrainian delegation was in Budapest for bilateral talks with Hungarian officials, including discussions on minority rights. Following that, the commissioner visited Moldova and later held a phone call with the Ukrainian side, during which she acknowledged Ukraine’s significant progress in preparing to open the first cluster. The clusters for Ukraine and Moldova will be opened simultaneously.

However, until the outcomes of these negotiations are clear, it is essential to emphasize that the opening of the negotiation cluster for Ukraine is not a burden on the European Union. This is the firm position of Viktoriia Melnyk, European Integration Program Coordinator at the Centre of Policy and Legal Reform. She adds: “Ukraine has truly done its homework and is ready to move forward. Opening the negotiations on the first cluster is critically important for maintaining the pace of reforms, especially during wartime. If Ukraine and Moldova are separated in this process, it could also negatively affect public sentiment.”

Why a Delay in Opening the First EU Accession Cluster Is Dangerous

Today, 84% of Ukrainian citizens support EU membership. In other countries — such as those in the Western Balkans—pauses or delays in the European integration process have led to declining public support and a rise in Eurosceptic sentiment. For Ukraine, such a delay would be hazardous under the conditions of the full-scale war. That is why the European Union must demonstrate consistent support.

In addition to the risk of growing anti-European sentiment, Liubov Akulenko, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Centre for European Policy, points out several other consequences of delaying the opening of the fundamental cluster:

• Moldova’s EU integration may become impossible if Ukraine is defeated. “I doubt Moldova could withstand a Russian military advance on its territory,” the expert notes.
• Only EU membership can guarantee Ukraine’s stability and survival.
• Moreover, it might appear easier for the EU to concede to Hungary, which would signal inefficiencies in the Union’s decision-making processes.
• Today, the European Union faces the same security threats as Ukraine and is interested in deepening defense cooperation.

The Benefits of Accelerating the Opening of the Fundamental Cluster

So what would the EU — and Ukraine — gain from accelerating the launch of negotiations on the fundamental cluster?

First and foremost, the reforms included in this cluster address the rule of law and the reform of Ukraine’s law enforcement system. They also cover areas such as public procurement and anti-money laundering oversight. Opening this cluster and fulfilling the corresponding obligations would enhance trust among EU institutions and member states in Ukraine’s financial governance and monitoring systems — particularly those managing recovery funds. This trust is vital for increasing aid and investment from EU countries and international financial institutions, directly influencing Ukraine’s socio-economic development.

More broadly, European integration will yield positive economic outcomes for Ukraine by expanding international trade, attracting investment, boosting competitiveness and productivity, and creating new jobs.

At the same time, it’s important to remember that European integration is a two-way process. Full Ukrainian membership in the European Union can strengthen the EU’s prospects for open strategic autonomy in security, innovation, and the economy. Dmytro Lyvch, Head of the NGO EasyBusiness, affirms:

“The Ukrainian economy can help the European Union ensure food and energy security, support the deeper integration of Ukrainian companies into the EU, and prompt a rethink of Europe’s competitiveness — especially amid the global turbulence currently affecting international markets.”

EU accession will be one of the strongest drivers of long-term development. It can transform the structure of Ukraine’s economy and its economic geography by identifying new sectors capable of competing in global markets.

Is There a Chance to Overcome Hungary’s Veto?

The current composition of the European Commission has dubbed itself the “Enlargement Commission,” which likely indicates that the EU is interested in welcoming new member states during its term.

Viktoriia Melnyk, European Integration Program Coordinator at the Centre of Policy and Legal Reform, notes: “The current blockade is not helpful: first, it takes away valuable time needed to implement reforms; second, it creates the impression that the accession tracks of different countries should be separated. The problem is that this does not guarantee the future application of a merit-based approach — only the potential use of the easiest available option.”

So what can Ukraine do now to preserve the chance to open the fundamental cluster and encourage our neighbors and partners to support us on this path?

The Cabinet of Ministers has already done substantial work to prevent the situation from deteriorating. The government team continues to work on unlocking the process and is negotiating with the Hungarian side. Ukraine also regularly communicates with the European Commission to ensure the negotiation process does not lose momentum.

For civil society, it remains important to support reform implementation and advocate among EU member states — especially friendly ones — for sustained support of Ukraine.

 “We can also consider additional platforms for dialogue, particularly with representatives of the non-governmental sector in countries that may be blocking our progress,” Melnyk adds.

Finally, Olga Lymar concludes: “It is not only in the interest of candidate countries — but also, I believe, of the European Union itself — to demonstrate resolve, adherence to its own rules, and the ability to balance the principle of unanimity in decision-making with the strategic development of the Union. The EU has legitimate tools to resolve the issue of opening the first cluster for Ukraine and Moldova. As always, what is needed is political will. I very much hope that EU leaders will be able to demonstrate that soon.”

The material was published within the framework of the project “Democratic Integration, Resilience, and Engagement” (Ukraine-DARE), implemented by Democracy Reporting International (DRI) in cooperation with the Reanimation Package of Reforms Coalition and the Center of Policy and Legal Reforms with the financial support of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany. The project aims to facilitate the approximation of Ukrainian legislation to the EU norms, build a dialogue on the challenges to democracy in Ukraine during the war, and promote civic engagement of young people. The opinions and views expressed in this material do not necessarily reflect the position of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany.