The 2023 EU Enlargement Package
Photo:Reuters
In 2023, the European Commission adopted an ambitious enlargement package, marking a significant step in the European Union’s (EU) expansion. This package provides an in-depth assessment of the progress made by several aspirant countries, namely Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, and for the first time, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, and Georgia. These nations are evaluated on their journey towards EU membership, with particular emphasis on their ability to implement key reforms. The package also provides clear guidance on future reform priorities. The accession process remains merit-based, relying solely on each country’s objective progress. The 2023 Enlargement Package highlights the ongoing developments and challenges in each of the candidate countries. Albania, for instance, has made significant strides in judicial reform and combating corruption and organized crime. However, more efforts are needed to ensure independence, accountability, and professionalism in the judiciary system. Similarly, Bosnia and Herzegovina have made progress in economic reform but need to address high-level corruption, public administration, and the functionality of the state. Kosovo has made headway in several areas including economic development, rule of law, and normalizing relations with Serbia. Despite this, issues such as corruption, organized crime, human rights, and media freedom still need significant attention. Montenegro and North Macedonia have advanced in negotiations due to their consistent commitment to EU values, although they must continue to implement comprehensive reforms, especially in the judiciary and public administration sectors. Serbia has shown commitment to the dialogue with Kosovo and improved economic governance. However, the rule of law, fundamental rights, and freedom of expression are areas that require further focus. Turkey’s accession talks have been at a standstill due to backsliding in areas such as judiciary independence, fundamental rights, and freedom of expression.
The three new entrants to the package—Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, and Georgia—have also shown significant progress in aligning with EU standards, particularly in economic development and democratic governance. However, each country has its unique set of challenges to overcome, including the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine, political instability in Moldova, and territorial integrity issues in Georgia. The 2023 Enlargement Package underscores the importance of key reforms in the enlargement process. Candidate countries are tasked with implementing comprehensive changes in areas such as the rule of law, democracy, human rights, and economic governance. These reforms are crucial for aligning these countries with EU standards and values, creating a basis for sustainable development and stability. Each country is expected to demonstrate its commitment to these reforms through tangible actions and results. Looking ahead, the Enlargement Package provides clear guidance for future reform priorities. Strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring the rule of law, fighting corruption, and promoting media freedom are among the key areas of focus. Economic reforms aiming at creating a competitive market economy and improving social cohesion are also prioritized. Moreover, environmental sustainability, digital transformation, and resilience against hybrid threats are emerging as new focal points for the future. The EU’s enlargement process is and will remain merit-based. Each country’s accession to the EU depends entirely on its ability to meet the accession criteria, known as the Copenhagen Criteria. These criteria include stable institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and respect for and protection of minorities; a functioning market economy and the ability to cope with competition and market forces in the EU; and the ability to take on and implement effectively the obligations of membership, including adherence to the aims of political, economic, and monetary union. The 2023 Enlargement Package emphasizes that there are no shortcuts to EU membership. Each candidate country must demonstrate sufficient progress in implementing the necessary reforms. This merit-based approach aims to ensure the readiness of the candidate countries to take on the obligations of membership and to contribute to the EU’s goals and principles. The 2023 Enlargement Package represents a significant step in the EU’s enlargement process, providing a comprehensive assessment of the progress made by the candidate countries and clear guidance for future reform priorities. It highlights the EU’s commitment to a merit-based accession process, ensuring that each country’s accession depends entirely on its objective progress. While the journey towards EU membership is challenging and requires significant efforts and commitment, it offers the prospect of greater stability, prosperity, and integration for the candidate countries. This process is more than just a technical exercise. It is a transformative journey that requires deep and comprehensive reforms. It is about shared values, shared goals, and a shared future in the European Union. The 2023 Enlargement Package serves as a roadmap for the candidate countries, outlining the path towards EU membership. It represents the EU’s commitment to the enlargement process, reaffirming the prospect of EU membership for the Western Balkans and Eastern European countries. It also sends a clear message that the EU is open to those who share its values and are ready to take on the obligations of membership. The enlargement process is a testament to the EU’s transformative power, driving change and reforms in candidate countries. It reaffirms the EU’s role as a promoter of democracy, human rights, rule of law, and economic prosperity. The journey towards EU membership is long and challenging, but the 2023 Enlargement Package serves as a beacon, guiding the candidate countries towards their European future.
By Cora Sulleyman
