On 14 July 2026, the European Union opened the second of six negotiating clusters with Ukraine and Moldova, covering external relations, security, and defence policy. Simultaneously, Albania provisionally closed its first negotiation chapters, and Montenegro closed two additional chapters, reaching 18 of 33. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos described the day, which saw four intergovernmental conferences convened in Brussels, as a “Super Tuesday” for enlargement, noting it was the first such concentration of accession conferences in over two decades.

The Irish presidency of the EU Council, represented by Minister Thomas Byrne, stated that the opening of Cluster 6 with Ukraine demonstrated the Union’s commitment to enlargement as a “strategic investment in peace and security, stability and prosperity.” Byrne acknowledged Ukraine’s progress in aligning legislation with the EU acquis despite Russia’s ongoing war, but stressed that the process remains merit-based and no preferential treatment would be granted. The resumption of negotiations follows months of blockage by Hungary under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán; his departure allowed the procedure to advance. Viewed from Paris, earlier French insistence on internal EU reforms before any enlargement has been overtaken by the strategic imperative created by Russia’s 2022 invasion, according to EU diplomats.

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka told reporters that Kyiv aims to adopt and begin implementing all necessary legislation by the end of 2027, calling this timeline “realistic” given the high level of alignment already achieved through the Association Agreement. He characterised the opening of clusters as entry into the “final phase” of negotiations. Moldova, which applied simultaneously with Ukraine, also opened its second cluster. Montenegro, the frontrunner, hopes to become the 28th member by 2028, while Albania’s first chapter closures were termed a “watershed moment” by Kos.

The geopolitical dimension was underscored by Kos, who said the future security architecture of the continent is “unimaginable without Ukraine,” citing its military capabilities and drone technologies. Russian state news agency Interfax reported the start of talks on the foreign policy cluster, relaying the EU’s statement that enlargement is a strategic investment, without immediate reaction from the Kremlin. The negotiation framework, revised in 2020, divides 33 chapters into six thematic clusters. While Ukraine and Moldova have now opened two clusters, the remaining four require unanimous approval from all 27 member states. Kachka indicated that all documents for the next clusters are ready, but the decision rests on the unity of the capitals. The next concrete step is expected to be the opening of further clusters later in 2026, though no date has been set.