"We will open the cluster on fundamentals; the backbone of the accession process," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on June 12. "It covers the core values and principles on which the EU is built, from the rule of law to strong democratic institutions."

Friday's agreement allows Ukraine and Moldova to formally open the first cluster of accession negotiations, known as "Fundamentals". #EuropeNews

The European Union will hold intergovernmental conferences with Ukraine and Moldova on 15 June, during which the first cluster of accession negotiations will be opened.

The European Union has agreed to open the first cluster of accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova on Monday, marking a major step in the bloc's enlargement.