EU and Moldova open negotiations on external relations cluster
The EU and the Republic of Moldova opened negotiations on the so-called external relations cluster in the accession process. The move was announced as another step in Moldova's accession path under the Irish presidency. Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European affairs and defence of Ireland, said the opening came one month after Cluster 1 was opened and showed the importance placed on the enlargement agenda. He described Moldova as a reliable partner for the Union and said the country had made remarkable progress since securing candidate status. Cluster 6, "External relations," contains two negotiating chapters. The EU said it... [Continue Reading]
Breaking-360LiveNews | 16 Jul 2026 11:30 LONDON
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Albania and EU provisionally close three accession chapters
Albania and the European Union provisionally closed the first negotiating chapters in Albania's accession talks at the ninth meeting of the Accession Conference with Albania. The chapters closed were science and research, education and culture, and external relations. The closure followed the fulfilment of rule of law benchmarks in May, which allowed Albania set to begin closing its first three negotiating chapters. Thomas Byrne, Ireland's Minister of State for European affairs and defence, said the development showed Albania's and the EU's commitment to continue the country's European integration process, and urged Albania to stay the course on core reforms in... [Continue Reading]
Breaking-360LiveNews | 16 Jul 2026 11:30 LONDON
EU opens accession negotiations with Ukraine on external relations cluster
The EU and Ukraine have opened accession negotiations on the external relations cluster, known as Cluster 6. The move adds a second negotiating area in Ukraine's membership process and covers how candidate countries align their international, trade and defence policies with the EU. The announcement said the step came just one month after the opening of Cluster 1, Fundamentals, and two weeks into the Irish presidency. Thomas Byrne, Ireland's Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs, said the latest opening was another milestone in Ukraine's EU membership journey and a testament to the country's commitment to move forward as... [Continue Reading]
Breaking-360LiveNews | 14 Jul 2026 11:00 LONDON
