Next step for Ukraine’s EU membership talks unlocks July 14

The EU’s next phase in Ukraine’s accession talks is expected to move forward with intergovernmental conferences on July 14 in Brussels, where the next negotiation cluster could be formally opened.

The step follows agreement among EU member states at Coreper (the ambassadors’ committee) on July 8 to ask Ukraine and Moldova to submit their negotiating positions for Cluster 6, “External Relations.” EU officials expect the EU’s common negotiating position for the cluster to be approved shortly afterward, ahead of the July 14 intergovernmental conference.

If the process proceeds as planned, Cluster 6 would become the second accession negotiation cluster opened for Ukraine. The first cluster, “Fundamentals,” was opened on June 15.

The expected July 14 opening comes after Hungary dropped its objection to Cluster 6 earlier in the month, allowing the process to progress for both Ukraine and Moldova. Hungary had previously blocked approval of screening results for clusters 2–6.

Ukraine has repeatedly urged EU member states to open all negotiation clusters as quickly as possible, arguing that enlargement should reflect Kyiv’s reform progress and the urgency created by Russia’s full-scale war.