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 7 Aug 2026
Chapter readiness (EC's latest report):Early stageSomeModerateGoodWell advanced
1FundamentalsOpens first, closes last0 of 5 chapters provisionally closedOpen
- 5Public procurementSomeIn negotiation
- 18StatisticsSomeIn negotiation
- 23Judiciary and fundamental rightsSomeIn negotiation
- 24Justice, freedom and securitySomeIn negotiation
- 32Financial controlSomeIn negotiation
2Internal Market0 of 9 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 1Free movement of goodsModerateNot started
- 2Freedom of movement for workersEarly stageNot started
- 3Right of establishment and freedom to provide servicesSomeNot started
- 4Free movement of capitalSomeNot started
- 6Company lawSomeNot started
- 7Intellectual property lawSomeNot started
- 8Competition policySomeNot started
- 9Financial servicesSomeNot started
- 28Consumer and health protectionSomeNot started
3Competitiveness & Inclusive Growth0 of 8 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 10Digital transformation and mediaModerateNot started
- 16TaxationSomeNot started
- 17Economic and monetary policyModerateNot started
- 19Social policy and employmentEarly stageNot started
- 20Enterprise and industrial policySomeNot started
- 25Science and researchModerateNot started
- 26Education and cultureSomeNot started
- 29Customs unionGoodNot started
4Green Agenda & Sustainable Connectivity0 of 4 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 14Transport policySomeNot started
- 15EnergyGoodNot started
- 21Trans-European networksSomeNot started
- 27Environment and climate changeSomeNot started
5Resources, Agriculture & Cohesion0 of 5 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 11Agriculture and rural developmentEarly stageNot started
- 12Food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policyModerateNot started
- 13FisheriesSomeNot started
- 22Regional policy and coordination of structural instrumentsSomeNot started
- 33Financial and budgetary provisionsEarly stageNot started
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
Hungary — Hungary repeatedly delayed the opening of negotiations; its objection was lifted after the April 2026 election, clearing the first cluster.
- Supportive
EU institutions — The Commission and Council have treated Ukraine’s accession as a top geopolitical priority since 2022.
Reforms tracker· 4
What sets the pace is what the country itself must deliver under Fundamentals: a lasting record on rule of law and anti-corruption. The public can watch this directly.
- Opening benchmarkMet
Anti-corruption architecture operational (independent NABU/SAPO, asset declarations, High Anti-Corruption Court).
- Closing benchmarkIn progress
Irreversible rule-of-law track record: independence of the judiciary and sustained high-level corruption convictions.
- Closing benchmarkIn progress
Public administration reform: professional, merit-based, depoliticised civil service.
- Closing benchmarkIn progress
Fundamental rights and media freedom, including protection of national minorities.