The European Parliament this Wednesday assessed the progress of Montenegro and Albania on their path to accession to the European Union, while regretting the limited progress of other Balkan countries such as North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo, as well as the regression of candidates like Turkey and Georgia.
In its annual report on the degree of approximation of the Western Balkans to the community project —approved by a large majority— the European Parliament emphasized that Montenegro and Albania are the most advanced aspirants in the enlargement process. At the same time, it insisted that significant challenges persist in the rule of law, the fight against corruption, and institutional stability, which condition the entry of the rest of the region into the EU.
MEPs highlighted that Montenegro aims to conclude accession negotiations by the end of 2026 and become a full member in 2028, while they welcomed Albania's goal of completing talks in 2027. However, they noted that the final timeline will depend on the actual implementation of the reforms demanded by Brussels.
"Montenegro faces an exceptionally demanding year: time is running out and much work remains to be done. This report should serve both as recognition of the progress made so far and as an encouragement for the period ahead," said Slovenian liberal MEP Marijan Sarec during his speech in the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg (France).
For his part, Austrian socialist Andreas Schieder emphasized regarding Albania that "it is one of the leading countries in EU accession," and considered that Tirana's goal of closing accession negotiations by the end of 2027 "is not just a wish that could come true, but a realistic prospect."
Warning to the rest of the Western Balkans
The European Parliament reiterated its support for the European integration perspective of the Western Balkans but drew attention to the paralysis in North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It demands that both accelerate pending reforms in the rule of law, the fight against corruption, and institutional strengthening, in addition to unblocking internal political disputes that continue to hinder their rapprochement with the EU.
"We would welcome Bosnia and Herzegovina into the EU, but its efforts are often weakened by excuses or by its limited capacity to reach agreements even within its own borders," lamented Czech 'popular' MEP Ondrej Kolár during his speech.
Austrian Green MEP Thomas Waitz spoke in similar terms about North Macedonia, emphasizing that "it is essential that the government" continues to carry out "important reforms" and remains firm on the path of European integration.
Regarding Kosovo, the European Parliament has expressed concern about the prolonged inability to have a fully operational government and parliament. At the same time, it has called for accelerating reforms linked to the rule of law and fundamental freedoms, as well as advancing in the normalization of relations with Serbia.
"It is important that Kosovo remains on the European path and advances in its integration (...) We highlight issues that require constant attention, but we also want to underline positive developments, such as the opening of the Reform and Growth Mechanism Funds and the lifting of measures imposed by the Commission," added Estonian 'popular' MEP Riho Terras.
Turkey and Georgia, increasingly distant from Brussels
In the annual review of Turkey's and Georgia's accession expectations, MEPs have concluded that neither country will be able to advance in its relationship with the EU "without undertaking substantial democratic reforms," also calling for a "more forceful" reaction from European institutions to "the setback both countries are experiencing."
In Turkey's case, the European Parliament considers that, although the EU's enlargement policy has regained momentum, Ankara is "losing this opportunity" by not undertaking the necessary democratic reforms.
The resolution calls on the Turkish government to correct "persistent deficiencies" in the rule of law, human rights, press freedom, and respect for international law, and deplores that it "continues to violate the sovereign rights of member states" such as Greece and Cyprus.
"Turkey continues to move rapidly towards a fully authoritarian model," said Spanish PSOE MEP Sancho Náchez Amor, who criticized "the lukewarm response" of the Commission, the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Member States, "who continue to turn a blind eye to the dismantling of democracy in Turkey."
Regarding Georgia, MEPs regretted that the ruling Georgian Dream party has not reversed the trend of democratic regression, and insisted that any future EU rapprochement with the country must be conditional on the authorities adopting "tangible and verifiable measures in that regard."
"The Georgian Dream regime continues to dismantle democratic institutions, silence independent media and hold one of the largest numbers of political prisoners in the region. This is unacceptable for an EU candidate country," said Lithuanian 'popular' MEP Rasa Jukneviciene, who called for "sanctions" against those responsible for the repression.