The recent Euronews Enlargement Summit in Brussels has highlighted the European Union’s potential for expansion, marking the closest it has been to admitting new members in a decade. However, the path remains fraught with political challenges.
Leaders from various candidate nations gathered to discuss their aspirations to join the EU amid a backdrop that appears more favourable for expansion than it has for years. Nations such as Ukraine, Georgia, Montenegro, and Armenia each face unique political hurdles, long reform processes, and diplomatic difficulties, with progress often punctuated by setbacks.
European Council President António Costa stated that the desire to join the EU should help countries resolve historical grievances and foster cooperation, noting that enlargement benefits all parties involved.
In the Southern Caucasus, Armenia is poised to apply for EU membership, while Georgia’s bid remains stalled. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze expressed his commitment to joining the EU, yet he refrained from outlining a clear plan to overcome the deadlock created by contentious laws on foreign influence. He accused the EU of applying double standards and likened the demand to repeal these laws to Soviet tactics.
Conversely, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed optimism about formally applying for EU membership in 2027 or 2028, viewing the EU as crucial for safeguarding Armenia’s democracy post-revolution.
Montenegro, aiming to join the EU by 2028, is currently leading the accession process. However, Minister for European Affairs Maida Gorčević insisted the country would not settle for second-class membership, following the EU’s proposal of a 15-year probation period for new members. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković warned that the impending French elections might hinder enlargement, as Eurosceptic candidates gain traction.
The situation in the Western Balkans shows varying progress. Albania is determined to complete negotiations by the end of 2027, while Prime Minister Edi Rama acknowledged ongoing challenges, signalling the need for a stronger EU resolution. North Macedonia, however, continues to face delays due to a dispute with Bulgaria regarding the rights of the Bulgarian minority.
In Ukraine, Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi rejected plans to exclude certain agricultural exports from the EU market post-membership, asserting that any transitional measures should not become permanent restrictions. He emphasised that Ukraine aims to progress on EU negotiations by the first half of 2027.
Moldova has emerged as a strong candidate, pursuing reforms swiftly, and may even be ready to close negotiation chapters sooner than expected. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan, unable to attend the summit due to a major cyberattack on the country, expressed solidarity with Ukraine, asserting that both nations’ EU integration efforts complement each other. He acknowledged the government’s support for NATO membership, despite lacking the parliamentary majority needed to modify the constitution.
