Representatives of the European Union’s 27 member states agreed on Monday 12 October 2026 to expand accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova by opening two additional clusters covering the single market and competitiveness and inclusive growth, paving the way for the two countries’ process to move into broad economic and legislative areas.
Preparing common European positions
The agreement was reached in Luxembourg, where representatives of the member states prepared common European positions on the second and third clusters of negotiating chapters. Their formal opening is due to be confirmed at two accession conferences with Ukraine and Moldova in Luxembourg on Tuesday 13 October 2026.
The Irish presidency of the Council of the European Union said the second cluster concerns the single market, while the third covers competitiveness and inclusive growth. Progress in both areas requires the two countries to align their legislation and policies with the rules and standards in force within the Union.
Single market chapters and areas
The single market cluster includes chapters on the free movement of goods, workers, services and capital, as well as company law, intellectual property, competition policy, financial services, consumer protection and health. The breadth of these areas makes the cluster one of the largest stages of the negotiations and one of the most closely linked to everyday economic activity.
The competitiveness and inclusive growth cluster covers the information society and media, taxation, and economic and monetary policies, as well as social policies and employment, industry, enterprises, science, research, education, culture and the customs union.
Significance of the agreement and limits of the accession process
The agreement sends a political signal to Ukraine and Moldova that their paths towards membership are continuing to advance, but it does not constitute approval of their accession to the Union. The negotiations aim to verify that each candidate country meets the membership requirements and applies European Union rules before moving to close the negotiating chapters.
The accession process is divided into 35 negotiating chapters, 33 of which are assigned to six thematic clusters: fundamentals; the single market; competitiveness and inclusive growth; the green agenda and sustainable connectivity; resources, agriculture and cohesion; and external relations.
The European Union opened the first cluster with Ukraine and Moldova in June 2026, covering the fundamentals, including the rule of law, fundamental rights, the functioning of democratic institutions, public administration reform and economic criteria. Progress in this cluster sets the overall pace of the negotiations, in line with the European enlargement methodology.
In July 2026, the two countries moved to negotiations on the sixth cluster concerning external relations, which covers trade and international policies, as well as foreign, security and defence policy. By opening the single market and competitiveness clusters, Kyiv and Chisinau have entered a new phase focused on aligning broad economic and regulatory sectors with Union legislation.
Ukraine faces extensive reform requirements as its war with Russia continues, while the accession process requires both countries to continue amending legislation and building the capacity needed to apply Union rules. The closure of the chapters and completion of membership remain dependent on meeting the criteria and securing the approval of the member states in accordance with European procedures.
