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 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 closedNot started
- 30External relationsGoodNot started
- 31Foreign, security and defence policyGoodNot 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.
- 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.