British News Agency

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys announced that EU member states have reached an agreement regarding the accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.

In his statement, Budrys said, “We are one step closer to EU membership. EU member states have reached a consensus on opening the first negotiation cluster with Ukraine and Moldova.”

Describing the decision as a significant milestone on the path toward EU membership for Ukraine and Moldova, Budrys stated that it is also “a strong message showing that the enlargement process is moving forward.”

Noting that the next stage will be the Intergovernmental Conferences scheduled for Monday, Budrys said, “The next stop is the Intergovernmental Conferences and the swift opening of all remaining negotiation clusters.”

Emphasizing that Ukraine and Moldova must continue their reform efforts, Budrys added, “The momentum is there. Now it is time to build on it.”