Time to make enlargement a top priority, with Montenegro joining by 2028

Confronted with war and the rise of right extremism, Europe must give a fresh strong push to the enlargement process, its most successful peace project, underline the Socialists and Democrats in anticipation of today's exchange on the annual enlargement package in the European Parliament's foreign affairs committee.

Kathleen Van Brempt, S&D vice-president for enlargement, said:

"It is time to make enlargement our top priority. After more than eleven years without any new members, we must change gear. Montenegro is on track to join by 2028, and Albania has set an ambitious, yet achievable, goal to be prepared for membership by 2030.

"It is equally important to ensure a vibrant enlargement process with our eastern neighbours who are aspiring to join. We call for continued and unequivocal support for Ukraine with all means available - for fighting Russia and advancing on the path to the EU. The EU must also be ready to step in if the new US administration under Donald Trump withdraws or reduces its support for Ukraine.

"The whole process must of course remain merit-based, with the overarching goal of ensuring democracy, the rule of law and fundamental values in the EU's immediate neighbourhood and new members. All aspiring countries still have work to do when it comes to the respect of the rule of law, media freedom, and the fight against corruption."

Nacho Sánchez Amor, S&D spokesperson on foreign affairs, added:

"In Serbia, we have repeatedly observed a blatant disregard for the rule of law, media freedom and civil society, together with untamed corruption and disinformation, which causes great concern. The latest worrying news comes from Novi Sad, where a deadly collapse of the train station roof triggered mass protests against the ruling elite, under the slogan 'Corruption Kills'. The S&Ds support the protesters, and call for an investigation and the release of the arrested protesters.

"We also urge Belgrade and Priština to take the EU-facilitated dialogue seriously, as this is the only way forward on their respective paths towards the EU. At the same time, we expect the new high representative Kaja Kallas to come up with fresh ideas on how to end the deadlock.

"Türkiye is another candidate country that causes great concern. It is a key partner for the EU and the longest standing membership applicant. However, the accession talks have been at a standstill since 2018, due to serious breaches of human rights and the rule of law. There have been attempts to move the relationship forward in some areas of joint interest, but the accession process will not move forward unless the Turkish authorities take clear steps in the fundamentals' cluster. If this doesn't happen, we would need to reconsider the approach and think about the alternatives."

Note to editors:

This afternoon, the European Parliament's foreign affairs committee will discuss the state of play of the enlargement process with the European Commissioner for enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi.

The annual enlargement package provides a detailed assessment of the work done by the countries aspiring to join the EU. It includes Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine and Türkiye.

The Commission already presented the package to the media several weeks ago, but the exchange with the European parliamentarians happens only today. The S&Ds deplored this unfortunate timing, as well as the disastrous Várhelyi record.

Read more about the reaction here.