The European Commission has adopted the 2023 enlargement reports. These reports take a close look at the progress made by the countries who want to become members of the European Union. Highlights include the Commission’s recommendation to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. A similar recommendation has been made for Bosnia and Herzegovina on the condition that the country meet certain criteria. Georgia, on the other hand, should be granted candidate status.
Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia are included in the assessment for the first time, whilst there are also updates on the following candidate countries
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Kosovo
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Serbia
- Türkiye
The reports focus on their progress in implementing the fundamental reforms needed to qualify for EU membership. They also provide advice for upcoming reform priorities.
Any European country which respects EU democratic values and is committed to promoting them can apply for EU membership. To join the EU, the candidate country must fulfil a set of political and economic criteria. When negotiations on all policy areas are completed, and the EU itself is prepared for enlargement in terms of absorption capacity, then the terms and conditions for accession — including possible safeguard clauses and transitional arrangements — are incorporated into an accession treaty. This treaty needs the approval of the European Parliament and unanimous approval of all EU Member States. The treaty is then signed and ratified by all parties, EU Member States and the candidate country.
For more information
Factsheet explaining the EU accession process step by step
A Stronger Europe in the World
- Publication date
- 8 November 2023
- Author
- Directorate-General for Communication
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