Press release - Enlargement: MEPs assess the progress of five Western Balkans countries

Enlargement: MEPs assess the progress of five Western Balkans countries - Montenegro aims to become an EU member by 2028, Albania wants to conclude accession negotiations by 2027 - Lack of progress in North Macedonia and Kosovo since the previous report - Political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina urged to end obstructionism and renew their commitment to EU membership On Wednesday, Parliament reviewed the EU accession progress of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro. Albania In a report adopted by 483 votes in favour, 103 against and 70 abstentions, MEPs welcome Albania’s swift progress in recent years, calling on the authorities to ensure legislation adopted is implemented fully. Despite its progress, Parliament says that Albania still faces several challenges, such as overcoming internal political polarisation and improving the country’s political culture, strengthening the rule of law and consolidating anti-corruption reforms. Noting Albania’s ambition to close membership negotiations by the end of 2027, the report warns that the quality of the country's reforms will determine the country’s accession timetable. Bosnia and Herzegovina With 478 votes in favour, 116 against and 54 abstentions, MEPs reaffirm their support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU accession on the basis of unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. They call for reforms to strengthen the country’s democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law, fight corruption and organised crime, and guarantee fundamental rights for all citizens. Parliament urges Bosnia and Herzegovina’s political leaders to renew their commitment to EU membership and implement long-overdue reforms without delay. It also calls for an end to obstructionism, politically motivated vetoes and divisive rhetoric, which hinder the country’s EU aspirations. Kosovo In a report adopted 412 votes in favour, 174 against and 58 abstentions MEPs commend Kosovo’s continued commitment to the country’s EU membership application, while showing concern about its inability to form a functioning legislature and government for more than a year. They want Kosovo’s government to accelerate EU-related reforms, particularly in the areas of rule of law, fundamental freedoms, and the fight against corruption. The text stresses that the normalisation of relations with Serbia and the implementation of the Brussels and Ohrid agreements remain essential for Kosovo’s EU ambitions. Montenegro With 486 votes in favour, 101 against and 75 abstentions, MEPs welcome Montenegro’s steady progress on EU-related reforms, underpinned by its ambition to complete negotiations by the end of 2026 and become the EU’s 28th member state by 2028. Alongside technical reform benchmarks, MEPs say that a strategic European orientation and unwavering commitment by Montenegro’s political representatives to the country’s independent statehood remain key political criteria in its EU accession process. North Macedonia In a report adopted by 411 votes in favour, 120 against and 120 abstentions, Parliament underlines its full support for North Macedonia’s commitment to EU membership, stressing that progress on accession negotiations continues to depend on lasting and in-depth reforms. MEPs regret the lack of progress since 2025’s report, especially on the rule of law, judicial reform and the fight against corruption, and stress that renewed political commitment and cross-party cooperation are urgently needed, not least to adopt the necessary constitutional amendments that would allow the opening of the first negotiation cluster. Quotes The rapporteurs’ statements are available here Standing rapporteur for Albania Andreas Schieder (S&D, Austria) Standing rapporteur for Bosnia and Herzegovina Ondřej Kolář (EPP, Czechia) Standing rapporteur for Kosovo Riho Terras (EPP, Estonia) Standing rapporteur for Montenegro Marjan Šarec (Renew, Slovenia) Standing rapporteur for North Macedonia Thomas Waitz (Greens, Austria) Contacts: - Snježana KOBEŠĆAK SMODIŠ Press Officer (HR)