Brussels: The European Union announced on Friday that member states had agreed to open the first cluster of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, marking a new step in the bloc's enlargement process.

According to Anadolu Agency, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen released a joint statement indicating that an intergovernmental conference scheduled for Monday would formally launch negotiations on the "fundamentals" cluster. This cluster encompasses areas including the rule of law and democratic institutions.

"This is a recognition of the determination, courage and hard work shown by both countries in advancing reforms, even in the face of immense challenges. And a signal that the EU's offer of peace, stability and opportunity is unmatchable," the statement read.

The statement further described the fundamentals cluster as "the backbone of the accession process," emphasizing its focus on the core values and principles upon which the EU is founded. Costa and von der Leyen highlighted enlargement as a "strategic choice," asserting that bringing European nations closer would enhance peace, security, and prosperity across the continent.

"In a world marked by growing uncertainty, a larger European Union is in our common interest. Enlargement remains one of the EU's greatest success stories and our best investment in our shared future," they stated.

Moldova applied for EU membership in March 2022 and was granted candidate status in June of the same year. Ukraine submitted its application shortly after the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, received candidate status later that year, and formally opened accession negotiations in 2024.