EU Reaffirms Enlargement as Strategic Priority
The European Union reaffirmed on Tuesday that enlargement remains a strategic priority, as an event organized by Euronews in Brussels brought together leaders from Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans. European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, presented her first report on the progress of candidate countries.
According to European Council President, António Costa, Ukraine and Moldova have made "impressive progress" despite the war and external pressures. Montenegro also stands out: its Prime Minister, Milojko Spajić, aims for membership by 2028, stating that his country "already functions as if it were part of the EU".
However, not all countries are progressing at the same pace. Georgia has frozen its negotiations with Brussels, while Serbia remains torn between the Union and Russia. Meanwhile, Albania is betting on artificial intelligence to modernize its administration and accelerate its integration.
For the European Commission, enlargement is also a security and stability issue for the continent. The question remains whether the Union is ready to welcome new members without compromising its internal balance.
