Euronews EU Enlargement Summit: Five Critical Takeaways on Expansion Progress

At a recent Euronews Enlargement Summit in Brussels, leaders highlighted a European Union that is closer than ever to further expansion, yet still confronts significant political obstacles. From the Western Balkans and Southern Caucasus to Ukraine and Moldova, the discussions underscored rapid advancement in some candidate countries and persistent hurdles in others.

Armenia and Georgia move in opposite directions

Armenia is preparing to submit an EU membership application in 2027‑2028, according to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who framed accession as the primary vehicle for safeguarding his nation’s democratic gains since the 2018 revolution. Pashinyan emphasized the desire to create an alternative for Armenia’s populace, noting that the country’s traditional perception of having no other option is now shifting.

Conversely, Georgia’s bid remains stalled since 2024 over contentious legislation on foreign influence and family values. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze reaffirmed Tbilisi’s commitment to EU integration but offered no concrete roadmap for restarting negotiations. He defended the laws as compliant with international standards, accusing the European Commission of double standards and political blackmail, and expressed optimism that the EU itself would evolve in its approach to Georgia.

Montenegro nears final accession stage

Montenegro is positioning itself to become the EU’s 28th member by 2028, though European Affairs Minister Maida Gorčević cautioned against “second‑class” membership. The nation seeks full integration without inferior rights, and while open to additional safeguards such as a 15‑year probation period, it rejects any arrangement that would limit its standing within the bloc. Podgorica is also working to resolve lingering bilateral issues with Croatia, although some border disputes may be deferred until after accession.

Western Balkans progress at varying paces

Albania, the next most advanced candidate, aims to close negotiations by the end of 2027, Prime Minister Edi Rama reiterated, calling for a “Helmut Kohl moment” to drive decisive EU action. While Albania presses forward, it continues to defend its migration agreement with Italy, pledging its continuation for as long as necessary. Serbia’s current leadership, however, shows little sign of softening its opposition to recognizing Kosovo, a major impediment to its own EU aspirations. North Macedonia’s progress remains blocked by a dispute with Bulgaria over constitutional recognition of the Bulgarian minority, leaving its EU prospects in limbo.

Ukraine resists permanent farm export limits

Ukrainian Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi opposed proposals to permanently exclude Ukrainian agricultural products such as wheat and grain from the EU market, even after Kyiv’s full membership. He argued that transitional measures must be risk‑based, time‑bound, and subject to clear review, warning against permanent restrictions that would undermine the single market. Kyiv remains focused on initiating chapter closures in the first half of 2027, pursuing a credible, merit‑based integration path with defined milestones.

Moldova emerges as a fast‑moving candidate

Moldova has accelerated its reform agenda, outpacing many peers and potentially closing negotiation clusters before all chapters are formally opened. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan, who could not attend the summit due to a major cyberattack, emphasized the mutual benefit of Ukrainian and Moldovan EU progress, rejecting the notion of a competitive race. He noted his government’s firm support for NATO accession, though constitutional neutrality remains entrenched and lacks parliamentary consensus for change. Tofan also highlighted the ongoing response to a cyber incident affecting roughly 750,000 citizens, attributing it to a likely state actor.

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