Ukraine’s EU bid: top EU official says all negotiation clusters may be opened by late 2025

She stated this at a press conference following the 10th meeting of the Ukraine–European Union Association Council, according to Interfax-Ukraine.

“Screenings are almost complete. We have a clear outlook. I believe we will be able to open all the cluster negotiations by the end of 2025,” the Commissioner said.

Previously, Commissioner Marta Kos had mentioned that Ukraine would open the first three negotiation clusters for EU accession in the first half of 2025 during Poland’s presidency, with the remaining ones expected to open by the end of the year.

Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna, in turn, confirmed Ukraine’s readiness to open the clusters either gradually or all at once — depending on negotiations with Hungary.

The EU integration process includes 35 chapters, 33 of which are grouped into six thematic clusters. The remaining two chapters — “Institutions” and “Other Issues” — will be considered separately. The process begins with the European Commission assessing the alignment of Ukrainian legislation with EU law (screening).

• On April 9, 2025, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that Ukraine had already fulfilled 81% of its obligations under the EU Association Agreement. The opening of six clusters in the accession negotiations is expected this year.