Kyiv confirms delay in launch of Ukraine-EU membership negotiations

Olha Stefanishyna, who served as Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration until July 17, has confirmed that the planned launch of the first negotiation cluster in Ukraine’s EU accession talks has been derailed.

In an interview with European Pravda, Stefanishyna revealed that preparations had been underway for a formal decision to open the first negotiation cluster on July 18, Caliber.Az reports.

“We had worked intensively to ensure that the decision on opening the first cluster would be taken on Friday [July 18 -ed.]. We were in active discussions with top EU officials, the European Commission, and ministers from EU member states. It wasn’t just me—Andrii Sybiha and Andriy Yermak were equally involved,” she said.

According to Stefanishyna, there was a general expectation on the Ukrainian side that the decision would go ahead.

“We made every effort possible. But eventually, it became clear that the decision would not be made. Evidently, a crucial political component within the European Union was missing,” she stated.

She noted that the unpredictability surrounding the cluster-opening process led her to conclude that her work would now be more valuable to Ukraine in the United States.

“This outcome shows that the European institutions, at this moment, were not ready to mobilise and take the step of launching the first negotiation cluster,” the former deputy prime minister said.

“I believe this situation influenced the President’s final decision—given the absence of that necessary political will within the EU—to redirect my efforts towards the US,” she added.

Ukraine formally began accession talks on June 25, 2024. Screening of the EU acquis is steadily advancing: the “Fundamentals” cluster completed by January 2025, with others ongoing and full completion targeted by autumn 2025. 

Note that, on July 2, Stefanishyna said that Ukraine is ready to open all six negotiation clusters by year end, pointing to Hungary's political veto as the only remaining obstacle. Hungarian public consultation results—95 % of respondents opposing Ukraine’s accession—have bolstered Budapest’s blockade, which also stalled a summit declaration on Ukraine and broader financial aid.

Under Denmark’s EU Council presidency starting July 1, Brussels is intensifying pressure on Hungary and supporting Kyiv’s reform efforts, with hopes to open specific negotiation chapters soon. The EU continues to explore ways to economically integrate Ukraine (e.g., single market inclusion) ahead of full membership

By Aghakazim Guliyev