Brussels: The European Commission announced on Thursday its expectation of opening the first chapter of Ukraine's EU accession negotiations soon, following a significant breakthrough between Hungary and Ukraine on minority rights issues that had previously stalled the process. Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier highlighted the importance of the agreement reached between Budapest and Kyiv, considering it a crucial step forward in Ukraine's bid for EU membership.

According to Anadolu Agency, Mercier welcomed the constructive negotiations and the agreement addressing the rights of national minorities in Ukraine. He emphasized that the deal reflects efforts by both countries to resolve long-standing disputes, aided by reforms linked to Ukraine's EU accession process. "This is an important step that paves the way to the opening of fundamental clusters for Ukraine and Moldova," Mercier stated.

The development follows Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar's announcement that Hungary would support the initiation of the first cluster of accession negotiations after reaching an agreement with Ukraine on guaranteeing minority rights. Mercier indicated that the commission had maintained close contact with both parties throughout the discussions and was fully informed about the issues at hand.

"We were in close contact with both parties when they were discussing the different points," Mercier noted. He further explained that Ukraine's accession action plan would need adjustments in light of the agreement, but the commission anticipates that necessary changes will be implemented swiftly.

In response to inquiries about the possibility of opening additional negotiating clusters in the coming weeks, Mercier reiterated the commission's stance that both Ukraine and Moldova have met the technical requirements to advance in the accession process. "We always start with the first cluster on fundamentals," he explained, adding that the ultimate decision to open negotiation chapters lies with EU member states.