The European Commission has published its 2026 Enlargement Package, assessing progress towards EU membership across the Western Balkans and Türkiye. While Albania and Montenegro advanced in accession negotiations, North Macedonia remained stalled, alongside limited progress in Serbia, institutional challenges in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and political instability in Kosovo. Implementation of the Growth Plan and national Reform Agendas also progressed unevenly. Beyond accession milestones, the reports reveal contrasting conditions for civil society. Albania saw unprecedented civic mobilisation, while Montenegro and North Macedonia maintained generally enabling environments despite shortcomings in participation and funding. Kosovo continued to face challenges in government–CSO cooperation, and Bosnia and Herzegovina experienced persistent administrative pressures. Serbia and Türkiye remained particularly concerning, with restrictions on fundamental freedoms, intimidation and pressure on independent organisations. BCSDN will soon publish its annual analysis, comparing the Commission’s findings with evidence from our 2025 Monitoring Matrix findings and examining what enlargement progress means for civic space across the region. Find the 2026 EC Enlargement package here.
Source: European Commission
