• Marta Kos presents the EU 2026 Enlargement Package, with progress evaluations for Serbia and other partners. Marta Kos is presenting the EU 2026 Enlargement Package in Brussels today.
• The report brings progress evaluations for ten partners in the enlargement process, including Serbia.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos is presenting the European Union's 2026 Enlargement Package in Brussels today, which brings progress evaluations for ten partners in the enlargement process, including Serbia.
The address began before members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) in Brussels, reports the EUpravo Zato correspondent from Brussels.
"Perhaps a year ago there was a high degree of scepticism when we spoke about enlargement, accompanied by the question of how we could talk about enlargement at all when we were unable even to open clusters for Ukraine and Moldova. From that perspective, I can say that we have made a big step forward. This enlargement report is a very important instrument, not only for candidate countries to see where they are making progress and what they still need to do, but also for member states, who are thereby able to assess the situation. It is also useful for research centres, which tell us that this is one of the instruments they use the most," said Kos during her address in Brussels.
Serbia has a chance for a fresh start
Speaking about Serbia, Kos said that the new government has the opportunity to make a "fresh start" and assessed that it is well-prepared for the single market.
This, the Commissioner said, is a good opportunity for representatives of the new government in Serbia. She assessed that Serbia had backslid, particularly in the area of freedom of expression, which, as she stressed, is unacceptable from the standpoint of the European Union's democratic values.
"The new government will have an opportunity to change course, as Serbia has backslid regarding freedom of expression. The new Serbian government has the possibility to turn over a new leaf and take appropriate steps to advance the country on its EU path," Kos stated.
The adopted document states that Serbia has not achieved substantial progress in accession negotiations and, although Serbia has made progress in aligning with EU acquis and technical standards, negative trends concerning the fundamentals of the accession process were at odds with the authorities' declared goal of EU accession and the values underpinning Serbia's European path.
"Alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) remained at a low level. Serbia must also implement all commitments stemming from the EU-facilitated dialogue, which continues to constitute an integral part of its European perspective. The recent parliamentary elections in Serbia have given the newly elected government a strong mandate for reforms," the document reads.
Progress towards EU accession will depend on the future government's efforts to reverse negative trends and to prioritise the fundamentals of the process, including democratic criteria, the judiciary, and fundamental rights. It will need to restore a democratic dialogue based on respect, demonstrate a clear and unequivocal commitment to EU values - including alignment with EU foreign and security policy - and make efforts towards reconciliation, good neighbourly relations, and normalisation of relations.
Montenegro has achieved significant progress
Montenegro has achieved significant progress towards EU accession, having provisionally closed 21 chapters to date.
Subject to the agreement of member states, Montenegro could provisionally close the remaining chapters by the end of this year. Work on Montenegro’s accession treaty, alongside the adoption of Council conclusions on the financial package for the country’s EU accession, confirms that Montenegro is approaching the final stage of the accession process. Sustained reform efforts and a broad political consensus remain essential for the country's EU future.
Ukraine must focus on interim benchmarks
"Ukraine needs to continue demonstrating that its institutional framework for fighting corruption functions and that specialised anti-corruption bodies operate largely independently and effectively. The next priority is clear. Ukraine now needs to focus on meeting the interim benchmarks in the field of the rule of law and implementing key roadmaps relating to the rule of law, democratic institutions, public administration reform, and the action plan for national minorities," Commissioner Kos said.
These roadmaps, she emphasised, clearly show that Ukraine could meet the interim benchmarks for opening negotiation clusters (IBAR) in the first half of next year. Once those benchmarks are met, there is a possibility that Ukraine could close seven negotiation chapters as early as next year.
North Macedonia must demonstrate consistency in implementing reforms
"North Macedonia has demonstrated commitment to reforms under the EU Growth Plan. It should now show the same determination in advancing further on the path to membership. The conditions are clear. North Macedonia must fulfil its commitment and implement constitutional amendments in line with the EU Council conclusions of 18 July 2022. The European Commission will continue to support North Macedonia on its European path," she said, stressing that the goal remains opening the first cluster as soon as the necessary conditions are met.
"It is now up to North Macedonia to take the next step. In the meantime, technical work on preparing the benchmarks for opening the first cluster has progressed," she added.
Albania has shown commitment to the integration process
Turning to Albania, she emphasised that the country had implemented several reforms and has closed four negotiation chapters so far. Kos highlighted that Albania intends to continue closing new chapters, but stressed that concrete progress in several key areas is necessary to achieve this goal.
She recalled that one of Albania's main goals is to conclude EU accession negotiations by 2027.
"Albania has demonstrated commitment to the integration process. Several reforms have been implemented. Albania has closed four chapters and is seeking to close others. We need to see progress in key areas. This is important for Albania to achieve its goal of concluding negotiations by 2027," Kos said.
The Commissioner highlighted strengthening the rule of law, guaranteeing judicial independence, media freedom, and environmental issues as priorities.
"The rule of law, an independent judiciary, media freedom, and environmental issues are of great importance. This matters not only for European integration, but also for the citizens of Albania and their daily lives. The inclusion of society is crucial for a successful process," Kos stated when discussing Albania's progress.
Moldova has embarked on the path of European integration
"Moldova today has a pro-European government. The government has embarked on the path of European integration despite attempts to destabilise the country. Nevertheless, much work lies ahead. Moldova can close negotiation chapters by the end of 2028 if it continues implementing reforms," Kos assessed.
Bosnia and Herzegovina moving away from the European path
"Regarding Bosnia and Herzegovina, a shift away from the European path is increasingly pronounced in the country. Key EU-related reforms still need to be adopted, while the work of the executive and legislative branches continues to be hampered by an unfunctional ruling coalition," Kos said.
Political rivalry, divisive rhetoric, and anti-European narratives escalated in the run-up to the general elections.
"Following the elections, Bosnia and Herzegovina should proceed without delay to form all executive and legislative governing bodies and demonstrate a renewed commitment to implementing EU-related reforms. Furthermore, it urgently needs to take the necessary steps to fully exploit the benefits of the Reform Agenda adopted under the Reform and Growth Facility," the document states.
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(EUpravo zato)