The European Parliament has called for a swift and strategic push on EU enlargement, arguing that expanding the bloc is vital for Europe’s security and stability. In a report adopted on Wednesday, MEPs warned that failing to integrate candidate countries risks creating “geopolitical grey zones” vulnerable to foreign influence.
Montenegro and Albania are aiming to conclude their accession talks by 2026 and 2027, and MEPs urged the Council to support countries that match ambition with tangible reforms. They also pushed for the rapid opening of negotiating clusters with Ukraine and Moldova.
While stressing that enlargement must remain merit-based and reversible, the report highlights the importance of the rule of law, democratic reforms, media freedom, minority rights, judicial independence and anti-corruption measures. Alignment with the EU’s foreign and security policy is seen as a key geostrategic marker.
MEPs also backed stronger monitoring of reforms, more pre-accession funding, and deeper cooperation on infrastructure, security, and countering foreign disinformation.
