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 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.