Enlargement: EU opens accession negotiations with Ukraine on external relations policies

Today, the EU and Ukraine took another important step in the accession process by opening negotiations on the so-called 'external relations' cluster (Cluster 6). 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.

Just one month since the opening of Cluster 1 and two weeks into the Irish presidency, we have today reached another milestone on Ukraine's EU membership journey by opening another key negotiating cluster, on external relations. This is a testament to the country's commitment to move forward as quickly as possible. In today's challenging times, enlargement is a strategic investment in peace and security, stability and prosperity for both the EU and Ukraine.

Thomas Byrne, Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs 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.

EU 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 previous 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 into 6 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 : External relations
• Second Accession Conference with Ukraine, 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)
• EU opens accession negotiations with Ukraine, Council press release, 25 June 2024
• Ukraine (background information)