The war in Ukraine has revived EU enlargement, putting Montenegro and Albania at the forefront as negotiations advance, supported by Hungary’s pro-enlargement EU presidency—though final decisions rest with member states. Montenegro is considered the leading candidate, having opened all negotiating chapters and closed many, with possible membership by 2028 if reforms continue. Albania has also accelerated reforms, including numerous legislative initiatives and anti-corruption measures such as the SPAK body. However, experts warn that rapid, top-down changes risk undermining the rule of law standards. Juliana Hoxha, the Director of BCSDN member Partners Albania stressed that EU accession for candidate countries is both a demanding reform process and a long-term commitment, noting that while Albania and Montenegro have advanced, the pace and credibility of enlargement depend on both domestic reforms and EU member states’ political will, and that in the current geopolitical context enlargement is increasingly viewed as a strategic investment in Europe’s stability and security. Major reform challenges and EU debates on expansion and “partial membership” continue to cloud the timeline. Read more here.
Source: NEPSZAVA