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EU enlargement strategy

TA-10-2026-0077 · P10_TA(2026)0077 · PE778.144

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Parliament's resolution on the EU enlargement strategy reaffirms enlargement as a strategic, merit-based process and calls for reforms in the EU and candidate countries to prepare for future accessions. It urges progress for Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, Moldova, and others, while stressing conditionality on rule of law, CFSP alignment, and fundamental values. It calls for institutional changes like qualified majority voting in enlargement steps, adequate funding, and measures to counter disinformation and foreign interference.

Key points

  1. Reiterates that enlargement is a strategic investment for EU security and stability, and that the future of Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova lies in the EU.
  2. Commends progress by Montenegro and Albania, urging the Council to remove obstacles, and encourages Bosnia and Herzegovina to reform further.
  3. Calls for swift opening of negotiating clusters with Ukraine and Moldova, and urges Hungary to stop blocking negotiations.
  4. Notes increased support for EU membership in Iceland, Armenia, and Greenland, and encourages closer links with such countries.
  5. Stresses that accession must remain merit-based and reversible, with no fast track or coupling of countries.
  6. Emphasizes rule of law, democratic reform, media freedom, and fundamental rights as preconditions, and calls for including all enlargement countries in the annual rule of law report.
  7. Urges full alignment with CFSP and CSDP, and warns that divergence is a fundamental barrier to accession.
  8. Calls for reforms in the EU, including qualified majority voting in intermediate steps, to ensure effective functioning of an enlarged Union.
  9. Supports gradual integration into EU policies, but opposes different classes of membership and stresses reversibility.
  10. Calls for adequate pre-accession funding under the next MFF, with clear allocations and conditionality on rule of law and anti-corruption.
  11. Urges stronger EU engagement to counter Chinese influence and Russian disinformation, including expanding the European Democracy Shield to accession countries.

Who is affected

  • Candidate and potential candidate countries: must implement reforms, align with CFSP, and meet conditions for accession.
  • EU institutions and Member States: must undertake internal reforms and provide funding and support for enlargement.
  • Civil society and media in enlargement countries: to be supported and involved in reforms and communication.

Figures and deadlines

  • 56 % of EU citizens support further enlargement, with Ukraine most favoured.
  • Trade with Western Balkans increased by 62 %; Moldova and Ukraine trade increased by 65,4 % and 64,7 %.
  • Global Europe instrument allocates 21 % (EUR 43,1 billion) of its proposed budget to enlargement.

Legal basis: Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union