Full Breakdown
Hungary Blocks Opening of EU Accession Clusters 2 and 3 for Ukraine and Moldova
7/23/2026, 5:17:23 AM
Core Event: Hungary Refuses to Approve Screening Results
On July 22, the Council of the EU’s Working Party on Enlargement (COELA) failed to approve the screening results for negotiation clusters 2 and 3 for both Ukraine and Moldova because the Hungarian representative voted against the proposal. The next attempt is scheduled for September 1. This follows a July 17 COELA meeting in which Hungary also declined to begin the process for opening clusters 2 and 3 for Ukraine, while supporting only cluster 3 for Moldova.
Background & Context
EU accession negotiations are divided into six thematic “clusters.” Cluster 1 (Fundamentals) opened for Ukraine and Moldova on June 15, covering rule of law and judicial reform. Cluster 6 (External Relations) opened for Ukraine on July 14, addressing foreign-policy and trade matters. Clusters 2 and 3 correspond to the Internal Market and Competitiveness & Inclusive Growth, essential for deeper economic integration.
Hungary has repeatedly used its veto to slow the timetable, previously blocking clusters 2-6 at the technical level and only lifting its objection to cluster 6 in early July. Hungarian officials argue that opening all remaining clusters simultaneously would be unfair to Western-Balkan candidates and that more technical evaluation time is needed.
Timeline
- June 15 – Cluster 1 opened for Ukraine and Moldova.
- July 3 – Hungary’s earlier veto on clusters 2-6 partially lifted for cluster 6.
- July 14 – Cluster 6 opened for Ukraine.
- July 17 – COELA meeting: Hungary refuses to start clusters 2 and 3 for Ukraine, supports only cluster 3 for Moldova; proposal rejected.
- July 22 – Second COELA attempt: Hungary again refuses to approve screening results for clusters 2 and 3 for both countries.
- September 1 – Planned third COELA attempt.
Data & Statistics
- Six clusters total in the accession process.
- Clusters 2 & 3 focus on internal market integration and competitiveness.
Official Statements & Responses
The Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU announced that letters will be sent to Hungary to request formal positions on the clusters, marking the start of the procedure.
Criticism & Opposition
Hungarian officials contend that accelerating the opening of clusters 2 and 3 would disadvantage Western-Balkan candidates still awaiting negotiations. Ukrainian authorities argue that delays risk sending a “wrong political signal” while Ukraine aligns its legislation with EU standards amid war.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There are six clusters in total, and we don’t think opening them all at once is a good idea – partly because the ink on the first one isn’t even dry yet, and partly because it would send the wrong message to the countries of the Western Balkans,” — Ukrainian official.
What’s Next
The Irish Presidency aims to begin preparations for opening the next clusters before the summer recess and hopes to schedule an intergovernmental conference as early as September. The third COELA meeting on September 1 will be the next formal opportunity to secure Hungary’s approval.
