The purpose of the evaluation is to determine the necessary reform priorities and to support countries on their way to EU integration. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the current geopolitical situation makes the “reunification” of Europe even more urgent along the common values of democracy and the rule of law, she writes in his statement the European Commission.
The enlargement process continues to progress based on the results of the candidate countries, which must implement extensive and irreversible reforms, paying particular attention to the rule of law and fundamental EU values. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the accession process:
among others, negotiations on the cluster including fundamental reforms began with Albania in October, and accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova were opened in June.
The Commission made the following findings for candidate countries and countries awaiting accession:
- Albania: In October, the country opened the cluster of accession negotiations involving fundamental reforms; in order to make further progress, it is important to strengthen the rule of law and anti-corruption measures.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: Accession negotiations began in March after progress was made in migration management, legislative reforms and foreign policy cooperation with the EU.
- Kosovo: Visa liberalization entered into force in January 2024; additional efforts are needed in the accession process to ensure the rule of law and freedom of expression.
- Montenegro: Made progress on the rule of law chapters and further chapters are expected to be temporarily closed if conditions are met.
- North Macedonia: Must continue EU reforms on rule of law and justice; the screening covering six clusters of EU legislation was completed at the end of 2023.
- Serbia: Fulfilled the conditions for opening the competitiveness cluster, but further reforms are expected in the areas of the rule of law and civil society.
- Ukraine: Accession negotiations started in June, and with the implementation of the necessary reforms, the next phase of negotiations could open in 2025.
- Moldova: Like Ukraine, it started accession negotiations in June; negotiations may resume in 2025, depending on the implementation of reforms.
- Georgia: Despite the 2023 candidate status, the accession process has stalled due to government decisions; the OSCE election report urges the strengthening of democratic processes.
- Turkey: Although it is a candidate country, the accession negotiations have been suspended since 2018, especially due to the situation of fundamental rights and the rule of law, but the EU continues the dialogue along the lines of common interests.
New instruments are also available to support the path to EU accession, such as the Western Balkans growth plan, which provides a 6 billion euro reform and growth fund, or the 50 billion euro financial package for Ukraine.
The EU strongly supports the integration of the EU market and the acceleration of structural reforms in these countries in order to achieve stable and sustainable growth.
The Council will discuss the Commission’s enlargement proposals and decide on the next steps. In the long term, enlargement brings significant economic and security benefits to both new and existing member states.
Cover image source: European Union
Source: www.portfolio.hu
