The European Union has agreed to open the first accession negotiations cluster with Ukraine and Moldova to open Cluster 1 – Fundamentals, calling the move a historic step and a reward for their resilience and reforms amid the Russian war. The European Council has agreed to formally open the first cluster of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, marking a major step in both countries’ long path toward EU membership. The decision paves the way for an Intergovernmental Conference on June 15, where the first negotiation chapter – the “fundamentals” cluster – will be launched in Brussels.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. “Today, the European Union took a major step forward,” said the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “At the first Intergovernmental Conference on Monday, we will open the cluster on fundamentals; the back of the accession process,” she added, explaining that it covers the core values and principles upon which the EU is built from. She described the move as the recognition of the determination, courage and hard work shown by both countries in advancing reforms, even as they face major challenges amid the ongoing Russian war that has now entered its fourth year. “Enlargement is a strategic choice,” said the European Commission President, and explained that, by bringing EU nations closer “we strengthen peace, security and prosperity across our continent.”