EU enlargement gains momentum but Turkey held back
Ankara is missing the current enlargement window because of persistent shortcomings in democratic governance, human rights, judicial independence and media freedom
The European Parliament has reaffirmed its support for the European Union’s enlargement agenda, endorsing the accession ambitions of several Western Balkan countries while warning that progress ultimately depends on the pace and quality of domestic reforms. EU interest in widening its net has also surged in view of developments around the glove and the growing detachment of the US.
In a series of reports adopted during the last plenary session, MEPs assessed the progress made by Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro and North Macedonia on their respective paths towards EU membership. The strongest endorsement was reserved for Montenegro, which Parliament described as the frontrunner among candidate countries. MEPs welcomed the country’s ambition to conclude accession negotiations by the end of 2026 and become the EU’s 28th member state by 2028, citing steady progress on reforms and a clear strategic commitment to the European project.
Albania also received positive recognition, with Parliament noting the country’s rapid progress in recent years. However, MEPs stressed that challenges remain, including political polarisation, judicial reform and the fight against corruption. Tirana has set itself the ambitious goal of concluding membership negotiations by the end of 2027.
Elsewhere in the Western Balkans, Parliament called on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s political leaders to overcome political deadlock and implement long-overdue reforms, while expressing concern over Kosovo’s inability to form a functioning government for more than a year. North Macedonia was praised for its continued commitment to EU membership, although MEPs lamented the lack of significant progress since last year’s report.
The debate comes at a time when public support for enlargement appears to be strengthening across the European Union. According to the Eurobarometer survey on enlargement, a majority of EU citizens now support admitting new member states once they fulfil the required accession criteria. Support, however, varies significantly depending on the country seeking membership.
Among the Western Balkan candidates, Montenegro enjoys some of the strongest support among Europeans, while Albania also records favourable levels of backing. However, concerns remain in several member states about the implications of further enlargement.
Maltese respondents reveal a generally positive attitude towards enlargement, with almost 70% supporting the process. When asked to identify the main reasons for their support, respondents cited the benefits of a larger market, greater employment opportunities and access to skilled workers, as well as a stronger global influence for the EU.
The picture changes significantly when it comes to Turkey. In a separate resolution adopted, Parliament concluded that Ankara is missing the current enlargement window because of persistent shortcomings in democratic governance, human rights, judicial independence and media freedom. MEPs also criticised the country’s continued disputes with EU member states Greece and Cyprus, arguing that key obstacles to accession remain unresolved.
These concerns appear to be reflected in public opinion. While support for Turkish membership stood at 37% across the bloc, opposition reached 55%. Similarly, Turkey was the only one of the candidate or potential candidate countries that did not receive a favourable view from Maltese public opinion, with 42% expressing a positive assessment and 47% holding a negative view.
