On 14 July 2026, the third EU–Ukraine Accession Conference was held in Brussels, formally opening negotiations on Cluster 6, “External Relations.”
The cluster comprises two negotiating chapters:
- Chapter 30 — External Relations, covering the EU’s common commercial policy, international trade commitments, export controls, investment protection, economic security, humanitarian assistance and development cooperation;
- Chapter 31 — Foreign, Security and Defence Policy, covering alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy and Common Security and Defence Policy, including foreign policy positions, political declarations, sanctions and restrictive measures.
Ukraine reaffirmed its commitment to fully align its policies and standards with the EU acquis. The Ukrainian delegation also stated that the country was not requesting any special adaptations, transitional arrangements or transitional periods under either chapter.
The European Union has established benchmarks for the future provisional closure of the chapters and will continue monitoring Ukraine’s progress in aligning with and implementing EU legislation and standards.
The opening of Cluster 6 is particularly significant amid Russia’s ongoing war of aggression. Ukraine is already an integral part of Europe’s security landscape and makes a crucial contribution to the protection of peace, freedom and democratic values across the continent.
This is the second negotiating cluster formally opened for Ukraine, following the opening of Cluster 1, “Fundamentals,” on 15 June 2026.
Another important milestone on Ukraine’s path towards full membership of the European Union.