Ukraine and Moldova are expected to advance their European Union membership bids on Tuesday, with two additional negotiating clusters scheduled to open for each country after Hungary dropped its objections. The breakthrough followed Ukraine’s adoption of legislation strengthening minority-language education rights, addressing longstanding Hungarian concerns over ethnic Hungarians living in western Ukraine. All 27 EU member states agreed on Monday to open negotiations covering the internal market and competitiveness and inclusive growth, with formal accession conferences scheduled in Luxembourg. Hungary had previously delayed Kyiv's progress over minority rights. Its position remained a source of friction even after Hungary’s change of government earlier this year. Ukraine and Moldova, both granted EU candidate status in 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, still face extensive reforms before membership can be approved. EU leaders will meet in Brussels on October 15 and 16 to discuss enlargement, reforms and the bloc’s long-term budget, including implications for agriculture.