A newly adopted European Parliament report on EU enlargement argues that the cost of non-enlargement would exceed that of accepting new members, warning that delays could create geopolitical grey zones vulnerable to foreign influence. Adopted with 385 votes in favour, the report frames enlargement as a strategic investment in EU security and stability, while reaffirming that accession must remain predictable and strictly merit-based. It highlights progress by Montenegro and Albania, which aim to conclude negotiations by 2026 and 2027, and stresses that rule of law, democratic reforms, media freedom, judicial independence, and civil society participation must remain central to the process. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos reiterated that there can be no “Trojan horses” in the EU, warning that countries vulnerable to foreign influence cannot join the Union. She emphasised that enlargement will remain a merit-based process with no shortcuts, requiring strong democratic institutions and full alignment with EU values and foreign policy. Read more here.
Source: European Western Balkans
