Polish Presidency in the EU: Two Clusters Will Be Opened in Negotiations with Ukraine.

During the Polish presidency in the EU, it is possible to open one or two clusters in negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova regarding accession to the European Union and achieve more in the process of EU enlargement within six months than has been done in this context over the past ten years.

This was stated by EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, during hearings in the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee in Brussels, as reported by Ukrinform.

I hope that with the support of member states during the Polish presidency (in the EU), we will see the opening of one or two clusters (in negotiations) with Ukraine and Moldova, as well as progress in several other clusters and chapters with Western Balkan countries. To put this in perspective: if a candidate country is persistent in its reform efforts, we may see more progress during the Polish presidency than has been achieved over the past ten years. It is possible to hold 10 intergovernmental conferences. That is my ambition and my team's. And it is achievable.

She noted that for the first Time in the past ten years, there is a real prospect during the current mandate of the European Commission and the European Parliament to bring at least one, and possibly two or three countries that are making active efforts to prepare for EU accession into the EU. In this context, she stated, the EU itself bears a huge responsibility for preparing future members to enable them to secure their own place in the European Union.

The EU Commissioner emphasized that Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine has opened new opportunities for EU enlargement. However, she stated that there will be no political 'discounts' and the enlargement process will continue only based on achievements and compliance with European values, the rule of law, and fundamental values.

Thus, the aggressive war (of Russia) against Ukraine has opened a window of opportunities for enlargement and new prospects. But I have been very clear with all interlocutors over the past few weeks that there will be no political 'discounts'. The enlargement process remains based on achievements... European values, the rule of law, and fundamental values will remain the cornerstones of EU enlargement policy and the foundation for a reformed and enlarged European Union in the future