On July 14 in Brussels, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Yevhen Perebyinis took part in the third Ukraine-EU Intergovernmental Conference as part of a delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka. During the conference, Ukraine and the European Union officially opened negotiations on Cluster 6, “External Relations”, as part of the negotiation process regarding Ukraine’s accession to the EU. Cluster 6 covers two negotiation chapters: “External Relations” and “Foreign, Security and Defense Policy”. The opening of this cluster is of particular significance given Ukraine’s role in strengthening European and global security amid ongoing Russian aggression.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized that the opening of Cluster 6 sends a clear signal that Ukraine’s path to the EU is steadily moving forward.

“Ukraine remains fully committed to advancing reforms and achieving full alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. We look forward to maintaining this positive momentum with the opening of the remaining negotiation clusters. Together, we are building a stronger, more secure Europe!”, Andrii Sybiha emphasized.

As part of the negotiation process, Ukraine continues to consistently align its national legislation with European Union law in the areas of international trade, export control, investment protection, economic security, and sanctions policy. At the same time, our country demonstrates a high level of alignment with the EU’s foreign policy decisions and statements and makes a significant contribution to ensuring the security of the European continent.

Ukraine also continues to harmonize its national sanctions policy with that of the European Union, thereby increasing international pressure on the aggressor state and contributing to the strengthening of common European security.

The opening of negotiations on Cluster 6 is an important step on Ukraine’s path to membership in the European Union. This decision attests to the recognition by the EU and all its member states of Ukraine’s significant progress in meeting the necessary criteria for accession and reaffirms a shared commitment to further advancing the enlargement process.

The Ukrainian side expects the other negotiation clusters to be opened as soon as possible in accordance with the merit-based approach. Ukraine continues to implement reforms and meet the benchmarks set by the European Union, which are necessary for the successful advancement of the negotiation process and future EU membership.