British News Agency

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of the negotiation chapters to be opened, drawing attention to the progress of the process and the steps to be taken in the coming days.

Sharing the date and scope of the accession process, von der Leyen said: "Today the European Union took an important step. All member states agreed to open the first cluster of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. At the first Intergovernmental Conference on Monday, we will open the fundamentals cluster, which forms the backbone of the accession process."

Referring to the content of the cluster and the efforts demonstrated by the candidate countries, von der Leyen stated: "This cluster covers the core values and principles on which the EU is built, from the rule of law to strong democratic institutions. It is a testament to the determination, courage and hard work both countries have shown in advancing reforms despite enormous challenges."

President von der Leyen concluded her message by saying: "And it is a sign that the EU's offer of peace, stability and opportunity is unique."