EU leaders reaffirmed the importance of enlargement for Europe’s peace, security and prosperity as they met in Brussels for the European Council on 15 and 16 October.
During the two-day meeting, European leaders discussed a wide range of priorities, including competitiveness, the EU’s next long-term budget, Ukraine, European defence and security, migration, and enlargement and reforms.
On enlargement, leaders held a strategic discussion on the way forward for the European Union and future Member States, underlining that the process remains an important investment in Europe’s stability and prosperity.
Enlargement and reforms move forward together
In their conclusions on enlargement and reforms, EU leaders stressed that enlargement can contribute to improving economic and social conditions, reducing disparities and strengthening the values on which the European Union is founded.
The European Council reiterated that accession remains a merit-based process, with each candidate advancing according to its individual progress.
Aspiring members were encouraged to continue their reform efforts, particularly in the area of the rule of law. At the same time, leaders stressed that the EU must continue its own preparations and internal reforms to ensure it is ready for future enlargement.
The discussion comes as the European Union continues work on preparing for a wider Union and as Western Balkan partners advance reforms linked to their respective EU integration paths.
Montenegro moves closer to EU membership
The conclusions also highlighted progress in Montenegro‘s accession process.
EU leaders welcomed ongoing work on drafting the country’s accession treaty and noted the intention of the Council Presidency to work towards the provisional closure of Montenegro’s remaining negotiating chapters, provided the corresponding reforms are implemented.
The development follows further progress in Montenegro’s EU accession negotiations, which are currently the most advanced among the Western Balkan partners.
Progress remains linked to meeting the conditions of the accession process, including reforms related to the rule of law and the implementation of EU standards.
A strategic investment in Europe’s future
For the Western Balkans, the European Council’s discussion reinforces the region’s place within the wider enlargement agenda at a time of renewed momentum around EU integration.
The EU has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to the European perspective of the Western Balkans and to supporting reforms that bring partners closer to membership. Alongside the accession process, initiatives such as the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans aim to accelerate economic convergence and allow partners to benefit from closer integration with the EU Single Market.
As enlargement moves forward, progress will continue to depend on reforms and individual achievements, while the EU works in parallel to prepare its institutions and policies for a wider Union.
The European Council’s October discussion places these two processes — preparing aspiring members and preparing the EU itself — at the centre of the next phase of enlargement.
