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EU enlargement and reform processes

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2026-10-17 12:34 UTC → 2026-10-24 17:41 UTC · added ~~removed~~

European Union leaders are advocating for internal institutional reforms to prepare the bloc for future enlargement. Proposed changes include a phased integration model for candidate countries and potential limitations on the requirement for unanimity to reduce the power of national vetoes. During an EU summit in Brussels on October 15-16, the European Council approved new conclusions regarding enlargement, characterizing the expansion as a “geostrategic investment in European peace, security, and stability.” The Council emphasized that the accession process must remain based on the principle of meritocracy, with progress determined by individual achievements. European Council President Antonio Costa noted that intergovernmental conferences have been held with Montenegro, Ukraine, Moldova, and Albania to advance the process, adding that progress has been made on the accession treaty with Montenegro. Candidate nations are being urged to prioritize rule of law reforms. In Moldova, a €7 million EU-funded project was introduced to modernize courtrooms and develop digital services for the judiciary. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged the EU to maintain a link between the accession processes of Ukraine and Moldova, warning that such a connection carries the risk of Moldova facing delays if Kyiv struggles with necessary reforms. Regarding the EU's multiannual financial framework, Nicușor Dan stated that if an agreement is not reached, transitional measures will be implemented to ensure direct payments to farmers are not interrupted, noting that technical discussions regarding new Union resources continue. Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha welcomed the Council’s conclusions, describing the process as a “historic opportunity.” The European Commission is expected to publish annual progress reports for candidate countries on October 28. More recently, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos stated that EU expansion serves as an opportunity for the Union to become stronger.

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