On 19 October, the European Commission (EC) adopted its 2021 Enlargement Package, providing a detailed assessment of the state of play and the progress made by the Western Balkans and Turkey on their respective paths towards the European Union. A particular focus is on implementing fundamental reforms, as well as providing clear guidance on the reform priorities ahead.

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, commented on the publication of the report: “With today’s report, we provide a detailed assessment of the progress made in the Western Balkans and Turkey, and where work remains to be done. […] The EU is not complete without the Western Balkans. It’s time we come together and unite in building a stronger Europe.”

Presenting this year’s package, EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, said:“Enlargement policy is a geostrategic investment in peace, stability, security and economic growth on our European continent. It’s a merit based process, to which we provide a factual and fair assessment as well as a clear roadmap to accelerate and deepen reforms in our partners […].

“And we are standing by the Western Balkans and Turkey with significant financial support through the new Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III) which is also main funding source for the almost €30 billion Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans.”

It is now for the Council, (responsible for coordinating EU member states), to consider today’s recommendations of the Commission and take decisions on the steps ahead.