The European Commission's Enlargement Package 2023

EU Alignment and Rule of Law

• According to a recent press release by the European Commission, Montenegro finds itself in a state of political division, with a new and welcomed constitution in place.

• However, the crucial task lies in implementing substantial rule of law reforms to align with EU standards.

• Serbia has made commendable strides with significant judicial reforms; however, the path towards EU alignment requires further commitment to rule of law reforms.

EU Accession Challenges

• North Macedonia, aspiring for future EU accession, has pledged to embark on constitutional reforms, particularly in the realm of citizenship.

• However, to actualize this ambition, the country must address crucial areas such as judicial, administrative, and anti-corruption reforms.

• While Albania has made strides in aligning with the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), it faces the imperative to delve deeper into areas such as freedom of expression, minority rights, property rights, corruption, and judicial reforms for more comprehensive EU compliance.

Balkan States' EU Progress

• Bosnia and Herzegovina grapples with the necessity for pivotal rule of law and judicial reforms. This is coupled with the challenge of countering secessionist measures in Republika Srpska.

• Kosovo remains steadfast in its commitment to EU integration and alignment with the CFSP.

• However, the indispensable normalization of relations with Serbia, a yet-to-be-implemented requirement, remains integral to Kosovo's progress along its EU path.

Türkiye's EU Candidacy

• According to the European Commission, Türkiye stands as a candidate country, although negotiations have stagnated since 2018.

• A comprehensive report by the High Representative of the Commission, submitted in November, sheds light on the current state of affairs regarding Türkiye's relationship with the EU.