The European Union may soon welcome new members as momentum builds behind the accession bids of Montenegro, Albania, and Moldova. EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos emphasized the Commission’s goal of ensuring that at least one new country joins the bloc before its term concludes in 2029.
In a recent interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Kos acknowledged, “It would be a failure if no country joins during this Commission’s mandate. But I believe we can achieve it. In Montenegro’s case, all negotiation chapters are already open. What remains is to close them. Technically, we could complete the process by the end of 2026.”
Albania’s timeline is also advancing. According to Kos, “Technically, the process could conclude by the end of 2027. I emphasize the word ‘technically’ because the negotiation process requires reforms from candidate states and unanimous approval from all EU member countries.”
EU accession talks follow a complex framework. After the screening phase, the European Commission issues recommendations on opening or closing thematic clusters and specific chapters. Since the 2020 reform, the accession process includes 35 chapters grouped into six clusters. Clusters open collectively, but each chapter closes individually—and only with the agreement of all 27 member states.
Ukraine had aimed to open its first two clusters in March 2025 and all six by the end of the year. However, Hungary delayed the process, citing concerns over minority rights legislation. Because Ukraine and Moldova were proceeding as a joint package, Moldova’s negotiations were also put on hold.
Despite the setback, Moldova has been recognized in Brussels for its strong commitment to European integration. Kos remarked, “Moldova is acting like a highly dedicated student among the candidate countries. They understand the historic significance of this moment. We’ve never seen this level of engagement before. For them, this is about peace and shared democratic values. They’re willing to do everything necessary.”
There are plans in Brussels to separate Moldova’s accession path from Ukraine’s as early as June 2025. Kos noted that Moldova could become the third country to join the EU during the current Commission’s term.
Speaking about Ukraine, Kos said, “We are for the first time negotiating with a country that is at war. That has never happened before. I remain optimistic—there could be more than two new member states.”
