European Commission

European Commission Adopts 2023 Enlargement Package, Recommends Accession Talks for Ukraine and Moldova

In a significant development, on 8 November 2023 the European Commission has approved the 2023 Enlargement Package, marking a milestone in the European Union’s expansion efforts. The package meticulously evaluates the progress made by several countries, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, and Georgia, toward EU membership.

The report emphasizes the strides taken in implementing crucial reforms and outlines clear directives for future reform priorities. It underscores that accession to the EU remains contingent upon the objective progress achieved by each nation, reaffirming a merit-based approach to the process.

Of particular note are the commendable advancements by Ukraine and Moldova, prompting the Commission to recommend initiating accession negotiations with both countries. The Commission further suggests that the Council adopt negotiating frameworks once key measures are enacted by Ukraine and Moldova. A progress report is slated for submission to the Council by March 2024 to track developments on these measures.

Regarding Georgia, the Commission advocates for granting the country candidate status, subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions.

In the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Commission advises initiating accession negotiations once the country achieves a requisite level of compliance with membership criteria. Bosnia and Herzegovina is urged to redouble its efforts to meet key priorities outlined in the Commission Opinion on its EU membership application. The Commission pledges ongoing monitoring of progress and compliance across all relevant areas, with a comprehensive report to the Council expected no later than March 2024.

More information, including links to detailed findings and recommendations on each country, is available here.