Ukraine completes domestic procedures to open negotiations with EU on first cluster
On 14 May, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, during its meeting, reviewed and approved Transformation Roadmaps that outline key priorities for state policy in the areas of the rule of law, public administration reform, and the functioning of democratic institutions.
The development of these strategic documents is stipulated by the EU’s negotiation framework for Ukraine. Specifically, the Roadmaps on the rule of law and public administration are a prerequisite for initiating negotiations on Cluster 1, “Fundamentals”.
“Today, the Government of Ukraine has taken another important step towards EU membership. The approved documents serve as a guide for further transformations in the relevant areas and once again confirm the steadfastness and strength of our European integration course,” emphasised Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.
The Roadmaps are aligned with Ukraine’s international commitments, strategic, and programme documents.
“The Roadmaps were developed through an inclusive dialogue with representatives of civil society and parliament, taking into account the recommendations of the European Commission. These are comprehensive plans containing specific steps that Ukraine plans to take to join the European Union as a strong and capable member state. The next stage is to submit the Roadmaps to the European Commission and EU member states for their approval,” said Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice Olha Stefanishyna.
During the Government meeting, Ukraine’s negotiation position for the Cluster 1 “Fundamentals” talks was also approved, prepared based on the European Commission’s report assessing the compliance of Ukrainian legislation with EU law (screening) for Cluster 1. In line with the principles of the EU negotiation framework, Ukraine also developed and approved an Action Plan to protect the rights of persons belonging to national minorities (communities) in Ukraine.