Four intergovernmental conferences in a single day - with Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, and Moldova - marked 14 July as one of the most significant days for European Union enlargement policy in recent years.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos dubbed the day "Super Tuesday", stating that the fact that four countries made strides in the accession process on the very same day serves as a strong signal that enlargement has returned to the European Union's strategic priorities.
However, behind this shared political signal lie vastly different positions among the candidate states.
While Montenegro continues to solidify its position as the leading candidate, Albania is swiftly closing negotiation chapters, Ukraine and Moldova are advancing with strong geopolitical momentum, and Serbia is still awaiting its next move in the talks.
Montenegro nearest to Membership, but the work is not yet done
Montenegro remains the candidate state with the greatest progress in the accession process. At the intergovernmental conference on 14 July, Podgorica provisionally closed two more negotiation chapters: Chapter 8 (Competition) and Chapter 29 (Customs Union).
This brings the total number of provisionally closed chapters to 16 out of 33 negotiation chapters.
Montenegro's progress is viewed in Brussels as proof that the enlargement process can function when there is political will and continuity of reforms. However, provisionally closing chapters does not automatically mean the end of negotiations, as the country must continue to meet all criteria until final accession.
European officials particularly emphasize that reforms in the rule of law - specifically the functioning of the judiciary, the fight against corruption, and the strengthening of institutions - will be crucial for the final phase of the process.
Albania takes a major step forward
For Albania, 14 July represented a significant moment in its negotiations with the European Union. Tirana provisionally closed three negotiation chapters: Chapter 25 (Science and Research), Chapter 26 (Education and Culture), and Chapter 30 (External Relations).
This marked the first time Albania transitioned from the phase of opening chapters to closing them, serving as an important indicator of progress in the negotiation process.
Brussels views this progress as the fruit of implemented reforms, but also as a signal to other candidate states that tangible moves forward are achieved by meeting criteria rather than through mere political declarations.
Enlargement with Ukraine and Moldova takes on a geopolitical dimension
For Ukraine and Moldova, which were granted candidate status in 2022 following the start of Russian aggression against Ukraine, 14 July represented a continuation of their accelerated convergence towards the European Union.
Both countries opened Cluster 6 (External Relations), which encompasses foreign policy, EU security and defence policy, and international relations.
Their progress demonstrates a shift in the European context. Today, enlargement is no longer viewed solely as a technical process of legislative alignment, but also as a matter of security, political stability, and the strategic interest of the Union.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has repeatedly highlighted this exact dimension of enlargement.
"Enlargement is not just a political ambition. It is a geopolitical necessity and an investment in peace, security, and prosperity for the whole of Europe," Von der Leyen stated.
Enlargement is no longer just a question of reform
The war in Ukraine has changed how the European Union views the future membership of new states. While the focus was previously centered mostly on technical criteria and alignment with the EU acquis, there is growing discussion today regarding the role of enlargement in bolstering European security and resilience.
President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) Oliver Röpke assessed that enlargement is not merely a political project, but also a way for citizens of candidate countries to feel tangible benefits.
"By advancing democratic reforms, as well as strengthening the rule of law and fundamental rights, candidate countries contribute to our shared European security. Accelerating socio-economic convergence is crucial so that enlargement brings concrete benefits to citizens," said Röpke.
At the same time, the European Union is increasingly developing models for gradual integration, involving candidate states in specific programmes, policies, and institutions even before full membership is attained.
Where is Serbia in the new enlargement dynamics?
While four states made concrete strides in the accession process on 14 July, Serbia did not participate in intergovernmental conferences that day.
Member states failed to reach a consensus on opening Cluster 3, despite the European Commission's recommendation that Serbia is technically ready for it. Formal negotiations between Serbia and the European Union have not been halted, but no new negotiation clusters have been opened in recent years.
The European Commission and member states continue to highlight judicial reform, the rule of law, the fight against corruption, media freedom and pluralism, alignment with the EU's common foreign and security policy, and progress in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina as key areas for progress.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has reiterated multiple times that the process remains merit-based.
"Every country moves forward at its own pace, in line with the reforms it implements and the results it achieves," Kos noted.
For Serbia, this means that the geopolitical importance of enlargement is not enough on its own to speed up the process. The European perspective remains open, but progress depends on concrete reforms and political decisions.
What did enlargement's "Super Tuesday" show?
The four intergovernmental conferences held on the same day demonstrated that the European Union wishes to maintain the new momentum in its enlargement policy.
However, they also revealed a new reality: candidate countries are no longer advancing at the same pace.
Montenegro remains the most advanced candidate with the highest number of provisionally closed chapters. Albania took an important step towards closing chapters. Ukraine and Moldova are moving forward with strong political and security momentum. Serbia, while still part of the European enlargement policy, awaits new concrete developments.
The message of 14 July was not only that the doors of the European Union are open, but also that the speed of passing through them will depend on reforms, political will, and the ability of each candidate country to fulfil the conditions for membership.
(EUpravo zato)
