Ukraine and Moldova open first cluster in EU negotiations on Monday

Ukraine and Moldova will open the first cluster in negotiations with the European Union (EU) on Monday, at the first intergovernmental conference.

A joint press release from the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission, Antoni Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, states that all member states agreed today to open the first cluster with Ukraine and Moldova.

"Today, the EU has taken a big step forward," the statement said, adding that a cluster will be opened that addresses key areas that are the backbone of the negotiations.

This cluster, as they recalled, encompasses the fundamental values ​​and principles on which the EU was built - from the rule of law to strong democratic institutions.

"This is recognition of the determination, courage and hard work that both countries have shown in advancing reforms, even in the face of enormous challenges," Costa and Von der Leyen said in a statement.

As they added, expansion is a strategic choice.

"By connecting our countries, we strengthen peace, security and prosperity across our continent," the statement said, adding that enlargement remains one of the EU's greatest success stories and the best investment in our common future.