Every year, the European Commission assesses the progress of countries seeking to join the European Union. Its annual Enlargement Package provides an overview of developments in candidate countries and potential candidates, highlighting achievements, remaining challenges and priorities for future reforms.
For the Western Balkans, the Enlargement Package represents an important moment in the EU integration process, offering an assessment of progress towards meeting the political, economic and institutional requirements for EU membership.
How does the Enlargement Package work?
The package includes individual country reports evaluating progress across key areas, including democratic institutions, the rule of law, fundamental rights, public administration reform and economic development.
These assessments help identify where reforms have advanced and where further efforts are needed. They also inform discussions between EU institutions, Member States and enlargement partners on the next steps in the accession process.
What does it mean for the Western Balkans?
For Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, the annual assessments provide an opportunity to review progress and identify priorities for closer integration with the European Union.
The reports also examine reforms that can contribute to more effective institutions, stronger economic competitiveness and improved opportunities for citizens and businesses.
Alongside the accession process, the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans supports gradual integration into the EU Single Market and provides financial incentives for implementing agreed reforms.
Backed by the €6 billion Reform and Growth Facility for 2024–2027, the Growth Plan aims to accelerate economic convergence and bring some of the benefits of EU membership to the region ahead of accession.
Looking ahead
The 2026 Enlargement Package will provide an updated assessment of progress across the region and help shape discussions on future enlargement priorities.
As the Western Balkan partners continue their European integration efforts, the annual reports remain an important tool for monitoring reforms, recognising achievements and identifying the steps needed to move closer to EU membership.
