The EU begins accession negotiations with Ukraine on foreign policy

The EU and Ukraine took another important step in the accession process by launching negotiations on the so-called ‘external relations’ thematic group (Group 6). This is a key thematic group within the EU’s accession negotiation framework, which sets out the parameters for how candidate countries must align their international, trade and defence policies with those of the EU.

“Just one month after the opening of Group 1 and two weeks into the Irish Presidency, today we have reached another milestone in Ukraine’s EU accession process with the opening of another key negotiating group: that on external relations. This demonstrates the country’s commitment to moving forward as quickly as possible. In these difficult times, enlargement represents a strategic investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity for both the EU and Ukraine.”

Group 6, ‘external relations’, comprises two separate negotiation chapters:

• Chapter 30 – External relations: this chapter covers the EU’s common commercial policy, humanitarian aid and development cooperation, which requires alignment with EU trade legislation, international commitments and related external policy positions.
• Chapter 31 – Foreign, Security and Defence Policy: this chapter covers the EU’s common foreign, security and defence policy, including alignment with EU foreign policy positions, political declarations, sanctions and restrictive measures.

The EU has also set bench marks for the future provisional closure of these chapters.

Accession to the EU is a merit-based process. Monitoring of progress in alignment with theacquiscommunautaire and relevant European standards, as well as their implementation, will continue throughout the negotiations.

This follows the opening of negotiations on Group 1 (Fundamentals) at the previous Accession Conference held in Luxembourg on 15 June 2026.

Background

Following the introduction of the revised methodology for accession negotiations in 2020, the negotiation chapters are divided into six thematic groups:

• Fundamentals
• Internal market
• Competitiveness and inclusive growth
• Green Deal and sustainable connectivity
• Resources, agriculture and cohesion
• External relations

More information: European Council.