European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos says Albania is progressing very well in its European Union integration process. She highlights Albania among the countries leading the current enlargement process. In an interview with Deutsche Welle, Kos also says Western Balkan countries will soon receive roaming benefits.

Kos discusses the European Commission’s proposal for gradual integration. Candidate countries that meet specific criteria could gain selected European Union benefits before full membership. The approach would not replace full membership. A pre-accession review will identify areas for earlier integration. The European Commission plans to publish its results on October 6.

Meanwhile, Kos discusses the wider enlargement process. She says Montenegro could complete negotiations soon. The country could join the European Union in 2028 if member states support the process. For Serbia, Kos stresses democratic development, the rule of law, the fight against corruption and judicial independence. She says Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to adopt two laws and appoint a chief negotiator. Kos describes 2026 as a year of enlargement. She says the first nine months saw more negotiating chapters opened or closed than in any other year of the past 25 years. She also hopes Moldova and Ukraine will open all negotiating clusters this year.

/a.p./