BRUSSELS, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) on Friday agreed to open the first cluster of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova on Monday, marking a significant step forward in the bloc's latest enlargement process.
In a joint statement, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said all EU member states have agreed to open the first accession negotiations cluster on fundamentals with the two candidate countries.
The negotiations, which will be formally opened on Monday, cover key areas including the rule of law and democratic institutions, the backbone of the EU accession process.
"This is a recognition of the determination, courage and hard work shown by both countries in advancing reforms, even in the face of immense challenges," the statement said.
The two leaders stressed that enlargement is a strategic choice for the bloc, arguing that in an increasingly uncertain world, a larger EU is in the common interest of all Europeans. ■
