Brussels proposes the unconditional opening of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.
“A historic window of opportunity” has opened for Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Turkey and the Western Balkans. On 8 November, the European Commission unveiled its much-anticipated 2023 enlargement report. Its in-depth assessment of these candidate countries’ progress towards EU membership forms the basis for recommendations on the future of enlargement and, by extension, the future of Europe. And there’s some good news for Ukraine and Moldova in particular.
Enlargement is a vital policy for the European Union. Completing our Union is the call of history, it is the natural horizon of the EU. Citizens of countries want to join our Europeans just like those of today’s union, because we all know that geography history and common values bind us so Completing our Union, also has a strong economic and geopolitical logic. Past enlargements have shown the enormous benefits both for the accession countries and the EU. We all win.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
Ukrainians are deeply reforming their country and preparing for accession,
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) November 8, 2023
even as they are fighting an existential war.
Today the Commission recommends that the Council opens accession negotiations with Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/XNuyZigoZu
New membership talks
Brussels’ response to the question of Ukraine’s accession to the EU in the context of continuing Russian aggression was particularly eagerly awaited this autumn. In its 2023 package, Brussels is providing essential support for Ukraine, not only by recognising the progress made by Kyiv on democratic reforms, but above all by recommending the opening of accession negotiations. By opening the way to EU membership, this decision represents a beacon of hope for Ukraine, and provides it with unwavering support for its sovereignty and stability.
Moldova also received a green light for accession talks. Of the nine ‘steps’ imposed on Moldova by the European Commission, the country has complied with six, but still has to work on the “desoligarchisation” of its economy and its political and public life, the fight against corruption at all levels and the reform of its judicial system.
Georgia, Bosnia: Brussels reaches out
One of the most difficult decisions for the European Commission was whether to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, and whether to grant candidate status to Georgia.
The Commission recommends granting candidate status to Georgia, provided it takes a number of steps to align itself with EU standards. According to the report, Tbilisi still needs to work on major issues such as deep political polarisation, judicial reform, the rule of law, foreign policy alignment and media freedom.
As for Bosnia-Herzegovina, it must also continue with its homework if it is to be able to begin accession negotiations. The Commission regrets that the positive momentum that followed the granting of candidate status in December last year has been followed by limited progress.
Progress in the Western Balkans
Turning to the other countries of the Western Balkans, the Commission’s report notes that Montenegro and Northern Macedonia are struggling with political polarisation and the rule of law, while Albania faces challenges in its fight against corruption and organised crime. Serbia’s progress is, among others, hampered by the need to normalise relations with Kosovo – while Kosovo is encountering obstacles in the area of judicial reform. Finally, Turkey, a candidate country since 2005, is still facing demands for alignment. The country has not reversed its negative trajectory of distancing itself from the EU, and its efforts toward accession-related reforms have been limited. Turkey is yet to address the issues of continued deterioration of democratic standards, the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and respect for fundamental rights.
The decision on whether to adopt these proposals now rests with the leaders of the European Council, who are responsible for shaping the next chapters in the history of the European family. The leaders of the 27 member states will have to decide unanimously whether or not to open these negotiations at a summit on 14 and 15 December.
They will have to bear in mind that EU enlargement is not a unilateral affair. It is a mutually beneficial process that serves the political, economic and security interests of both the EU and the candidate countries. It underlines the European vision of unity, shared values and the conviction that a stronger and more united Europe is better equipped to face global challenges.
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