In total, nine countries are in line to enter the EU – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.
Turkey is also formally on the list, but here the membership negotiations have been in the freezer since 2018.
Shoots speed
The enlargement process gained new momentum last year, after Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
– The tense geopolitical context makes it more important than ever that we carry out the reunification of our continent, with the same democratic values and rights, says European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a press release.
Montenegro has come the farthest in the negotiations, and is now ready to open the 23rd and 24th of a total of 35 chapters to bring the country’s legislation in line with the EU’s, according to the European Commission.
Ukraine and Moldova are also praised for carrying out comprehensive reforms in a difficult time.
– We have come a long way, states EU Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi, who on Wednesday presented the annual report on enlargement together with the EU’s foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell.
Georgia on break
At the opposite end of the scale is Georgia, which received candidate status last December.
But negotiations were put on hold earlier this year as a result of a controversial agent law, which requires anyone receiving financial support from abroad to register as a foreign agent.
The election at the weekend, in which there has been a hail of accusations of cheating, has made it clear that the country needs a comprehensive electoral reform, according to the EU.
– The EU is now demanding a comprehensive investigation of the election to find out what happened, says Borrell.
– On the wrong course
– This underlines a trend we have seen in recent months, where the Georgian authorities are on a course away from the EU and our values and principles, he states.
– Our offer of a path into the EU is ready, but it requires real commitment and political will from the Georgian leadership, says Borrell.
#Progress #candidate #countries #Georgia
**Interview with Dr. Elena Markovic, Geopolitical Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Markovic. There’s been a significant development regarding the EU enlargement, with nine countries currently in line for membership. Can you provide us with some context on this situation?
**Dr. Markovic:** Absolutely, it’s a critical moment for the European Union. The nine countries—Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine—are all at various stages of the accession process. The shifting geopolitical landscape, particularly the Russian aggression against Ukraine, has accelerated discussions about their potential membership.
**Editor:** It sounds like geopolitical tensions are influencing EU decisions. How has the war in Ukraine specifically impacted these enlargement talks?
**Dr. Markovic:** The war has certainly created a sense of urgency among EU member states. The conflict has underscored the importance of stability in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. By integrating these countries into the EU, the union aims to enhance regional security and promote democratic values. The EU has also recognized that support for Ukraine and others in its orbit can help counterbalance Russia’s influence.
**Editor:** The status of Turkey’s membership is particularly interesting, given that negotiations have been stalled since 2018. What does that say about the EU’s approach to enlargement?
**Dr. Markovic:** Turkey’s situation highlights a more cautious EU approach towards certain candidates, especially those with complex internal and external challenges. While Turkey remains on the list, the freeze in negotiations suggests that the EU values democratic reforms and adherence to human rights. This contrasts with its renewed focus on countries closer to its borders, which are more aligned with EU principles.
**Editor:** Considering all this, what should we expect moving forward regarding the EU enlargement process?
**Dr. Markovic:** The upcoming months will be pivotal. Expect increased diplomatic activity as the EU seeks to address the reform agendas of these candidate countries. There will also be discussions about the EU’s own internal capacity to accept new members. If these nations can demonstrate political stability and commitment to EU values, we could see significant advancements in the accession process.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Markovic, for sharing your insights on this important topic. The implications of these developments could be profound not just for the countries involved but for the EU as a whole.
**Dr. Markovic:** Thank you for having me. It’s an essential conversation, and I look forward to seeing how this unfolds.
