Negotiations
EU law (the acquis) is split into 35 chapters, grouped into 6 thematic clusters. Chapters 34 and 35 are handled at the very end, outside the clusters. A cluster opens as a whole by unanimity of all 27 member states. Its chapters are then closed one by one, also by unanimity.
Data verified as of 15 Jun 2026
Chapter readiness (EC's latest report):Early stageSomeModerateGoodWell advanced
1FundamentalsOpens first, closes last0 of 5 chapters provisionally closedOpen
- 5Public procurementModerateIn negotiation
- 18StatisticsModerateIn negotiation
- 23Judiciary and fundamental rightsModerateIn negotiation
- 24Justice, freedom and securityModerateIn negotiation
- 32Financial controlModerateIn negotiation
2Internal Market0 of 9 chapters provisionally closedOpen
- 1Free movement of goodsSomeIn negotiation
- 2Freedom of movement for workersSomeIn negotiation
- 3Right of establishment and freedom to provide servicesModerateIn negotiation
- 4Free movement of capitalModerateIn negotiation
- 6Company lawModerateIn negotiation
- 7Intellectual property lawModerateIn negotiation
- 8Competition policySomeIn negotiation
- 9Financial servicesModerateIn negotiation
- 28Consumer and health protectionEarly stageIn negotiation
3Competitiveness & Inclusive Growth0 of 8 chapters provisionally closedOpen
- 10Digital transformation and mediaModerateIn negotiation
- 16TaxationModerateIn negotiation
- 17Economic and monetary policyModerateIn negotiation
- 19Social policy and employmentModerateIn negotiation
- 20Enterprise and industrial policyModerateIn negotiation
- 25Science and researchSomeIn negotiation
- 26Education and cultureModerateIn negotiation
- 29Customs unionModerateIn negotiation
4Green Agenda & Sustainable Connectivity0 of 4 chapters provisionally closedOpen
- 14Transport policySomeIn negotiation
- 15EnergyGoodIn negotiation
- 21Trans-European networksSomeIn negotiation
- 27Environment and climate changeSomeIn negotiation
5Resources, Agriculture & Cohesion0 of 5 chapters provisionally closedOpen
- 11Agriculture and rural developmentSomeIn negotiation
- 12Food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policySomeIn negotiation
- 13FisheriesModerateIn negotiation
- 22Regional policy and coordination of structural instrumentsModerateIn negotiation
- 33Financial and budgetary provisionsSomeIn negotiation
6External Relations0 of 2 chapters provisionally closedOpen
- 30External relationsGoodIn negotiation
- 31Foreign, security and defence policyGoodIn negotiation
Outside the clusters (handled last)
- 34InstitutionsNot started
- 35Other issuesNot started
Who supports, who blocks
The political state of play around this accession — where member states and EU institutions stand, each attributed. "Resolved" marks a block that has since been lifted.
- Resolved
Bulgaria (via North Macedonia) — Albania’s progress was held hostage to Bulgaria’s bilateral block on North Macedonia until the two were decoupled in 2022.
- Supportive
EU institutions — Entered the concluding phase in 2026 with broad member-state support.