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 closedNot started
- 5Public procurementSomeNot started
- 18StatisticsSomeNot started
- 23Judiciary and fundamental rightsEarly stageNot started
- 24Justice, freedom and securitySomeNot started
- 32Financial controlSomeNot started
2Internal Market0 of 9 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 1Free movement of goodsSomeNot started
- 2Freedom of movement for workersSomeNot started
- 3Right of establishment and freedom to provide servicesModerateNot started
- 4Free movement of capitalModerateNot started
- 6Company lawSomeNot started
- 7Intellectual property lawModerateNot started
- 8Competition policySomeNot started
- 9Financial servicesModerateNot started
- 28Consumer and health protectionEarly stageNot started
3Competitiveness & Inclusive Growth0 of 8 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 10Digital transformation and mediaSomeNot started
- 16TaxationSomeNot started
- 17Economic and monetary policyModerateNot started
- 19Social policy and employmentSomeNot started
- 20Enterprise and industrial policyModerateNot started
- 25Science and researchEarly stageNot started
- 26Education and cultureSomeNot started
- 29Customs unionModerateNot started
4Green Agenda & Sustainable Connectivity0 of 4 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 14Transport policySomeNot started
- 15EnergySomeNot started
- 21Trans-European networksSomeNot started
- 27Environment and climate changeEarly stageNot started
5Resources, Agriculture & Cohesion0 of 5 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 11Agriculture and rural developmentSomeNot started
- 12Food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policyModerateNot started
- 13FisheriesEarly stageNot started
- 22Regional policy and coordination of structural instrumentsEarly stageNot started
- 33Financial and budgetary provisionsNot started
6External Relations0 of 2 chapters provisionally closedNot started
- 30External relationsSomeNot started
- 31Foreign, security and defence policyNot 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
Spain, Greece, Romania, Slovakia, Cyprus — Five EU member states do not recognise Kosovo’s independence; since EU decisions need unanimity, this blocks even the step from applicant to candidate.
- Conditional
EU institutions — Visa-free travel since 2024 and an SAA in force, but progress is tied to the normalisation of relations with Serbia.