TIRANA, March 12 – The European Parliament approved a strategy for EU enlargement. The strategy frames enlargement as a response to shifting geopolitical realities and as an investment in the EU’s security and stability.

The document warns that delaying enlargement could cost more than integrating new members. It also notes that delays could create sensitive areas prone to external influence. The vote recorded 385 in favor, 147 against, and 98 abstentions.

Eurodeputy Petras Austrevicius explained that EU integration must reflect both EU interests and candidate expectations. He stressed that enlargement should proceed alongside internal reforms to strengthen decision-making. These reforms include broader use of qualified majority voting. They must finish before candidate countries meet accession criteria.

Albania and Montenegro aim to complete accession negotiations by 2026–2027. Kosovo applied for EU membership in 2022 but has not yet received candidate status. The report emphasizes the importance of Kosovo’s dialogue with Serbia. The strategy also calls for accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova as soon as possible. It stresses that no country should join as part of a package deal.

The strategy highlights that countries must maintain rule of law, democratic reforms, media freedom, minority rights, judicial independence, and anti-corruption measures. Civil society support remains essential. Countries must also align with the EU’s common foreign and security policy. Serbia faces criticism for not sanctioning Russia over the war in Ukraine.

Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos highlighted that the EU will admit only countries with strong democratic governance. She noted that member states must resist harmful external influence.

The EU last expanded in 2013 by admitting Croatia.

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