Enlargement: EU and Moldova start negotiations on external relations policies

On 14 July, the EU and the Republic of Moldova opened accession negotiations on the ‘External relations’ cluster (Cluster 6).

This is a core thematic grouping within the EU’s accession negotiation framework setting the parameters for how candidate countries align their international, trade and defence policies with the EU.

Cluster 6 ‘External relations’ comprises two distinct negotiating chapters:

• Chapter 30 – External relations: this chapter covers the EU’s common commercial policy, humanitarian aid and development cooperation, requiring alignment with the EU’s 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 the EU’s foreign policy positions, political declarations, sanctions and restrictive measures.

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

“Under the Irish presidency, we have taken another step forward with Moldova on its accession path. Coming just one month after the opening of Cluster 1, this momentum shows the importance we place on the enlargement agenda,” said Thomas Byrne, Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs of Ireland. “Moldova is a reliable partner for our Union, as demonstrated by the remarkable progress the country has made since securing candidate status. Over the coming months, we will continue to work on Moldova’s candidacy and bring Moldova and their citizens closer to our Union.”

The EU has also set benchmarks for the future provisional closure of those chapters noting that the EU accession is a merit-based process.

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Press release