Albania and Montenegro are the countries that are now closest to joining the European Union. This does not mean that it will happen immediately, but their respective goals are to conclude the processes in 2027 and 2028, and Brussels has shown great optimism about the progress both countries are showing.
"Montenegro is the most advanced country on the path to union. Albania has made unprecedented progress, and both are at the forefront on the path to accession," explained the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, who, along with the Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Marta Kos, presented in the EU capital the annual document in which the EU analyzes the evolution of candidate countries.
"The elections in Moldova have shown a clear yes to accession. Serbia and Kosovo, on the other hand, have experienced political crises that have halted the process. North Macedonia has not made the required constitutional changes; Georgia does not have a viable path to the EU at the moment; and Turkey de facto froze the accession process in 2018," continued the EU's foreign policy chief.
Regarding Ukraine, both the document and the interventions of Kos and Kallas have provided a mixed assessment. Because it is evident that Brussels is concerned about the "corruption" that exists in the country. This was already evident last summer when Volodymyr Zelensky approved and later, under international pressure, revoked a law that endangered the independence of anti-corruption bodies. And it has happened again today.
"Amid the challenges caused by Russia's aggression, Ukraine has demonstrated its commitment to its path towards the EU," Kos began, then pointing out that it is "essential to maintain this momentum and avoid any risk of regression, especially in terms of anti-corruption." The term "corruption" is repeated numerous times in the mentioned document.
At the same time, these concerns are combined with Brussels' desire for Ukraine to progress towards its accession. Because "it can be a security guarantee," and because the EU "has much to learn from Ukraine, as its army is the most powerful in the European Union." "So integrating Ukraine into our defense architecture is a good idea," emphasized Kallas.
The EU's view contrasts significantly with the assessment that Zelensky himself has made of the document. "The European Commission's Enlargement Package Report confirms: Ukraine is confidently moving towards EU accession. This is the best evaluation to date: proof that even as we defend ourselves against Russia's large-scale aggression, Ukraine continues to reform and transform in line with European standards," stated the President of Ukraine on his X social media profile.
"Ukraine's progress on the path to the EU is achieved thanks to the efforts of millions of our citizens. I am grateful to every Ukrainian who works daily for our independence, for our state," he emphasized.