Opening the first cluster of Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations will help Hungary address the issue of national minorities.

Before the EU Council on Foreign Affairs meeting, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos commented on Ukraine’s path to joining the EU, noting: “Ukraine has done its homework, therefore it is ready to open the first cluster of fundamental provisions. Now the Council has all the elements to make a decision.”

She reported that last week the EC submitted two additional screenings on the second and sixth clusters for Ukraine and Moldova to the EU Council.

“If we continue at the same speed as before, we will be able to conduct all screenings by autumn,” said the European Commissioner.

Regarding Hungary’s blockage of the opening of negotiations due to its issues with treatment of national minorities, she emphasized that the protection of minorities is a fundamental and important aspect for the EU.

“This is a very important part of the negotiations. That’s why, in my opinion, it would be very good if we could open the first cluster, which would give Hungary the opportunity to solve the problems it has regarding its minority in Ukraine,” Kos explained.