EU accession talks accelerate for Western Balkans candidates

The European Commission published a new progress report on EU accession negotiations with Western Balkans candidate countries, noting that Serbia, Montenegro, and Albania had made measurable advances in key reform areas over the past year.

Reform progress

The Commission highlighted improvements in rule of law, anti-corruption measures, and judicial reform in the candidate countries. However, it also noted that further progress was needed on press freedom, electoral reform, and addressing organized crime.

Political context

EU enlargement has gained renewed urgency in the context of the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine, with Brussels seeking to draw Western Balkans countries more firmly into the EU orbit before Russia or other actors increase their influence in the region.