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 23 Sept 2026
Chapter readiness (EC's latest report):Early stageSomeModerateGoodWell advanced
1FundamentalsOpens first, closes last0 of 5 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 5Public procurementModerateNot started
- 18StatisticsModerateIn negotiation
- 23Judiciary and fundamental rightsEarly stageNot started
- 24Justice, freedom and securityModerateNot started
- 32Financial controlGoodIn negotiation
2Internal Market0 of 9 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 1Free movement of goodsGoodNot started
- 2Freedom of movement for workersEarly stageNot started
- 3Right of establishment and freedom to provide servicesEarly stageNot started
- 4Free movement of capitalModerateIn negotiation
- 6Company lawWell advancedIn negotiation
- 7Intellectual property lawGoodIn negotiation
- 8Competition policySomeNot started
- 9Financial servicesGoodNot started
- 28Consumer and health protectionGoodIn negotiation
3Competitiveness & Inclusive Growth1 of 8 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 10Digital transformation and mediaSomeIn negotiation
- 16TaxationModerateIn negotiation
- 17Economic and monetary policySomeIn negotiation
- 19Social policy and employmentSomeNot started
- 20Enterprise and industrial policyModerateIn negotiation
- 25Science and researchWell advancedProvisionally closed
- 26Education and cultureModerateNot started
- 29Customs unionGoodNot started
4Green Agenda & Sustainable Connectivity0 of 4 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 14Transport policyModerateNot started
- 15EnergyModerateNot started
- 21Trans-European networksWell advancedIn negotiation
- 27Environment and climate changeSomeIn negotiation
5Resources, Agriculture & Cohesion0 of 5 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 11Agriculture and rural developmentSomeNot started
- 12Food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policySomeIn negotiation
- 13FisheriesModerateNot started
- 22Regional policy and coordination of structural instrumentsModerateIn negotiation
- 33Financial and budgetary provisionsSomeIn negotiation
6External Relations0 of 2 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 30External relationsModerateNot started
- 31Foreign, security and defence policySomeNot started
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.
- Blocking
EU (Council) — The General Affairs Council concluded in June 2018 that talks had "effectively come to a standstill" over rule-of-law and democratic backsliding; no chapter has opened or closed since.
- Blocking
Cyprus — Türkiye does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus, an EU member; the unresolved Cyprus problem freezes several chapters.