The European Commission has published its annual Enlargement Package reviewing progress made by candidates for EU membership, with Montenegro on course for earliest EU accession.
The enlargement package demonstrates that sustained reform efforts are translating into concrete progress to EU membership, according to the Commission, evidenced by Montenegro, Albania, Moldova and Ukraine. The four countries have advanced their accession negotiations, says the report, with clusters opening and chapters being provisionally closed at an ‘unprecedented pace’.
“We have seen remarkable progress by those countries most advanced in the accession process”, said Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos: “Today, we are merely a short time away from completing the process of Montenegro’s integration into the EU. An enlarged Union also becomes tangible with the other three frontrunners, as Albania, Moldova and Ukraine could join the European Union in the coming years if they sustain the reform efforts.”
This year the Commission has presented the financial package for Montenegro’s accession and the work on the accession treaty is well underway. Taking this work forward, the Commission is presenting ‘indicative roadmaps’ for these four most-advanced negotiating countries, setting out concrete milestones for the year ahead.
The reports show that the pace of reforms, particularly in the areas of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, alongside political choices on security and defence, as well as progress towards economic convergence, directly shapes the speed of the accession process for each partner. Reforms, investments and the gradual integration of enlargement partners are already strengthening the EU’s capacity to protect its interests, reduce vulnerabilities and create new opportunities. To maximise these benefits ahead of accession, the Commission is also presenting a ‘common framework for gradual integration’ to further deepen integration in strategic sectors such as energy, transport, digital and defence.
In the light of the progress by Montenegro, Albania, Moldova and Ukraine, the Commission is also presenting ‘indicative roadmaps’ with concrete milestones and targets for the year ahead. These will help organise the next stages of preparation in a more structured and transparent manner, supporting the work of both candidate countries and EU institutions and Member States. The Commission may adjust the roadmaps, depending on progress made in meeting the required conditions, and will update them regularly, based on the progress made. The Commission says it stands ready to put forward similar roadmaps for other candidate countries once they have reached a similar level of advancement, pace and engagement in the accession negotiations.
2026 Communication on EU Enlargement Policy
Gradual integration strands across the accession chapters
Factsheet on the EU accession process
Factsheet on the accession negotiations state of play
Factsheet on gradual integration
Communication “Preparing for a wider Europe”
Website on the EU Enlargement Forum 2026
Detailed findings and recommendations
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Report; Factsheet
