Montenegro could join EU in 2028, Albania in 2029, Commission says

Montenegro could join the European Union in 2028 and Albania in 2029, the European Commission says, provided both countries continue making reforms at their current pace. The dates are targets, not guarantees, and would mark the bloc’s first enlargement since Croatia joined in 2013.

A senior EU official said Montenegro could sign its accession treaty in June 2027 if progress continues as hoped. EU membership requires candidates to meet a range of political and legal standards through reforms and negotiations.

The Commission has not set target dates for Moldova or Ukraine. It says both have made progress but still have substantial work to do. Ukraine needs reforms to its judiciary, democratic institutions and public administration, as well as stronger protection for minority rights. Kyiv wants to conclude its EU negotiations by the end of next year; the Commission calls that timetable ambitious and says the pace of reform would need to increase significantly.

The Commission also sees a possible opening to restart Serbia’s stalled accession talks, which have been frozen since December 2021 amid concerns about the rule of law. It says Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia made no progress over the past year, while democracy has deteriorated in Turkey and Georgia.