Brussels, 14 July 2026
The third meeting of the Accession Conference with Ukraine was held today in Brussels. The meeting served to open negotiations on cluster 6: external relations. This cluster covers trade and international policies, as well as foreign and security policy, including the following negotiating chapters:
- Chapter 30 – External relations
- Chapter 31 – Foreign, security and defence policy
Just one month since the opening of Cluster 1 and two weeks into the Irish presidency, we have today reached another milestone on Ukraine’s EU membership journey by opening another key negotiating cluster, on external relations. This is a testament to the country’s commitment to move forward as quickly as possible. In today’s challenging times, enlargement is a strategic investment in peace and security, stability and prosperity for both the EU and Ukraine.
Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European affairs and defence of Ireland
The European Union delegation was led by Mr Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European affairs and defence of Ireland, on behalf of the Irish presidency of the Council of the EU, with the participation of Commissioner for Enlargement, Ms Marta Kos. The Ukrainian delegation was led by Mr Taras Kachka, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine.