The unlocking of the sixth cluster—“External Relations”—marked a new step in the integration process between the two candidate countries and reflects a gradual shift in Budapest’s position. For many years, Orbán had held up Kyiv’s application, citing the dispute over the rights of the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia.
The new Hungarian government, together with the Ukrainian side, has set about resolving this issue. As a result, the first cluster was opened in early June, Euronews notes .
The European Commission and Kyiv insisted that all five remaining clusters be opened before the summer break, demonstrating the political will to accelerate the negotiation process. However, Hungary resisted such a rapid pace until the very end, citing domestic political circumstances.
With the start of the Irish presidency of the Council of the EU on July 1, a more pragmatic approach was proposed: to open the clusters sequentially, one by one. It appears that this tactic is yielding results.
Hungary, along with the other 26 member states, agreed to open the sixth cluster, concerning foreign policy, external relations, and security—an area considered less contentious than others.
The decision, agreed upon on Friday, is formalized in a so-called screening letter, which formally concludes the analytical assessment of the candidate country’s legislation for compliance with EU standards.
The letter of invitation is scheduled to be approved at Wednesday’s meeting of ambassadors as an agenda item not open for discussion. Its approval is expected without objection.
The EU’s common position, required for the final opening of the sixth cluster, is scheduled to be approved on Monday, July 13. The following day, its official opening is expected to be formalized at the Intergovernmental Conference.
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