Important Facts of the News
- The European Commission released the annual Enlargement Package assessing progress of countries aspiring to join the EU.
- Countries assessed: Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, Moldova, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Türkiye and Georgia.
- Reforms in democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights determine the pace of accession.
- Montenegro closed four negotiation chapters and aims to close all by end of 2026.
- Albania opened four clusters and aims to conclude negotiations by 2027, subject to reform continuity.
- Ukraine continues reforms despite ongoing war, with aim to provisionally close negotiations by end of 2028.
- Moldova aims to provisionally close negotiations by early 2028, following strong progress.
- Serbia’s reforms slowed amid protests and political tensions affecting trust and transparency.
- North Macedonia must accelerate rule of law reforms and adopt constitutional changes linked to EU commitments.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to adopt judicial reforms and appoint a chief negotiator to start accession talks.
- Kosovo’s progress slowed due to delayed institutional formation; dialogue with Serbia remains essential.
- Türkiye remains a candidate but accession talks have been at a standstill since 2018.
- Georgia faces significant democratic backsliding and remains a candidate in name only.
EU Enlargement: Current Progress and Next Steps
The latest Enlargement Package from the European Commission provides a detailed evaluation of the efforts made by several countries seeking to join the European Union. The assessment underlines that the goal of a larger and more integrated Europe continues to hold strong political weight. The report stresses that progress toward accession remains tied to each country’s commitment to democratic values, rule of law and protection of fundamental rights. These elements directly influence how quickly individual countries advance toward membership.
Country-by-Country Overview
Montenegro
Montenegro has shown notable commitment by closing four negotiation chapters in the past year. It aims to close all ongoing negotiations by the end of 2026, provided reforms continue at a stable pace supported by broad political cooperation.
Albania
Albania has opened four clusters and made progress in justice sector improvement and action against organised crime and corruption. Achieving its 2027 negotiation conclusion target will depend on maintaining reform momentum and inclusive political dialogue.
Ukraine
Ukraine continues to pursue EU integration despite the ongoing conflict. Roadmaps on rule of law and democratic institutions have been positively evaluated, and the country aims to provisionally close negotiations by 2028 if reforms accelerate further.
Moldova
Moldova has progressed in strengthening its institutions and public administration. The government seeks to close negotiations by early 2028, supported by reform consistency and strong parliamentary backing.
Serbia
Serbia faces heightened political polarisation, protests and concerns over transparency and civic freedoms. These developments have slowed reform efforts and affected the accession track, requiring stronger commitment to democratic safeguards.
North Macedonia
North Macedonia needs stronger action to protect judicial integrity and combat corruption. Constitutional amendments related to minority recognition also remain pending and are essential to opening new negotiation clusters.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Political tensions have limited progress. To proceed toward negotiations, judicial reforms must be completed and aligned with European standards, along with the appointment of a chief negotiator.
Kosovo
Kosovo retains strong public support for EU integration but requires renewed cross-party cooperation to recover its reform pace. Dialogue with Serbia remains central to its accession path.
Türkiye
Türkiye continues to be an important partner, though concerns persist regarding human rights and democratic standards. Accession negotiations have not progressed since 2018.
Georgia
Georgia has experienced significant democratic regression, leading to its accession process being effectively stalled. A clear reversal of restrictive measures and reforms is required to return to the EU pathway.
Next Steps
The Council will now evaluate the recommendations and determine further actions. The enlargement approach remains based on fairness and measurable progress. Gradual integration helps deliver benefits to citizens and economies even before full membership is achieved.