Ukraine Sets 2027 EU Chapter Targets
Deputy Head of the Office of the President Ihor Zhovkva outlined a schedule to close multiple accession chapters before the end of the year.
By Layla Richardson ·
Ukraine plans to start closing EU accession chapters in early 2027.
Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Office of the President, made the announcement at the EU Accession Exchange Forum on November 4. He stated that the government aims to conclude negotiations on individual chapters during the first half of the year. The final goal is to close most chapters by December 2027.
Zhovkva said four negotiating clusters are currently open. He expects the remaining two clusters to open before the end of 2026. This timeline allows Ukraine to begin substantive work on all six clusters next year. The official described the current status as a foundation for the rapid progress targeted in the coming year.
The country is currently preparing for the Interim Benchmark Assessment Report, or IBAR. Zhovkva noted that this preparation happens alongside other accession tasks. He presented the chapter closure milestones as specific outcomes Ukraine hopes to achieve. These goals require the completion of various legal and structural reforms within the next twelve months.
Ukraine’s neighbor Moldova is also seeking EU membership. Zhovkva said Ukraine wants to continue moving toward the union alongside its neighbor. He urged observers not to view the two countries' progress as a competition. He described Moldova as a friend and partner, even though Ukraine operates under different conditions. The official maintained that both nations should continue the integration path they started together.
A Task Force established by Ukraine's government and the European Commission supports these efforts. This group works to secure approval for draft legislation on the rule of law and anti-corruption. The initiative aims to get these laws approved within several months. This legislative progress is a key part of the preparation for the upcoming chapter closures.
Zhovkva’s remarks set out expectations for the rest of 2026 and the full year of 2027. The timeline depends on the successful opening of the final two negotiating clusters. The government views the early 2027 period as the start of the conclusion phase for the accession process.
