Enlargement: EU and Moldova start negotiations on external relations policies

Today, the EU and the Republic of Moldova took another important step in the accession process by opening negotiations on the so-called 'external relations' cluster. This is a core thematic grouping within the EU's accession negotiation framework setting the parameters for how candidate countries align their international, trade and defence policies with the EU.

Today, under the Irish presidency, we have taken another step forward with Moldova on its accession path. Coming just one month after the opening of Cluster 1, this momentum shows the importance we place on the enlargement agenda. Moldova is a reliable partner for our Union, as demonstrated by the remarkable progress the country has made since securing candidate status. Over the coming months, we will continue to work on Moldova's candidacy and bring Moldova and their citizens closer to our Union.

Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European affairs and defence of Ireland

Cluster 6 'External relations' comprises two distinct negotiating chapters:

• Chapter 30 - External relations: this chapter covers the EU's common commercial policy, humanitarian aid and development cooperation, requiring alignment with the EU's trade legislation, international commitments and related external policy positions.
• Chapter 31 - Foreign, security and defence policy: this chapter covers the EU's common foreign, security and defence policy, including alignment with the EU's foreign policy positions, political declarations, sanctions and restrictive measures.

The EU has also set benchmarks for the future provisional closure of those chapters.

The accession is a merit-based process. Monitoring of progress in the alignment with and implementation of the EU acquis and relevant European standards will continue throughout the negotiations.

This follows the opening of negotiations on Cluster 1 (Fundamentals) at the second Accession Conference held in Luxembourg on 15 June 2026.

Background

Following the introduction of the revised methodology for accession negotiations in 2020, negotiating chapters are divided in six thematic clusters:

• Fundamentals
• Internal market
• Competitiveness and inclusive growth
• Green agenda and sustainable connectivity
• Resources, agriculture and cohesion
• External relations

Each chapter corresponds to a different policy field. There are 33 chapters in total.

• EU Common Position on Cluster 6
• Second Accession Conference with the Republic of Moldova, 15 June 2026
• Statement by President Costa and President Von der Leyen on the agreement to open the first accession negotiations cluster with Ukraine and Moldova, 12 June 2026
• Moldova (background information)

• EU enlargement policy (background information)