The European Parliament on Wednesday reaffirmed its support for the European Union aspirations of five Western Balkan countries, praising progress made by Albania and Montenegro while expressing concern over stalled reforms in North Macedonia and political deadlock in Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In a series of reports adopted during a plenary session, lawmakers assessed the accession progress of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro and North Macedonia, urging governments across the region to accelerate reforms and maintain commitment to European integration.
Montenegro leads accession race
Montenegro remains the frontrunner among Western Balkan candidates, according to the Parliament’s assessment.
Lawmakers welcomed the country’s steady progress on EU-related reforms and noted Podgorica’s ambition to complete accession negotiations by the end of 2026 and join the bloc by 2028.
MEPs stressed that, alongside technical reforms, Montenegro’s continued commitment to its European path and independent statehood remains a key political condition for membership.
Albania advances rapidly
The Parliament praised Albania for what it described as swift progress in recent years, while cautioning that further advances depend on implementation of reforms.
Lawmakers acknowledged Tirana’s goal of concluding accession negotiations by the end of 2027 but stressed that the quality of reforms, particularly in the rule of law, anti-corruption efforts and democratic governance, would determine the pace of accession.
The report also highlighted the need to overcome political polarization and strengthen institutional stability.
North Macedonia faces renewed criticism
MEPs expressed disappointment over what they described as limited progress in North Macedonia since the previous assessment in 2025.
The report pointed to shortcomings in judicial reform, the rule of law and anti-corruption efforts, while stressing that constitutional amendments remain essential for opening the first cluster of accession negotiations.
Lawmakers called for renewed political commitment and greater cross-party cooperation to overcome the impasse.
The report was adopted with 411 votes in favour, 120 against and 120 abstentions, reflecting continued divisions among lawmakers over the country’s progress.
Kosovo urged to break political deadlock
The European Parliament welcomed Kosovo’s continued commitment to EU integration but voiced concern over prolonged political instability and the failure to establish fully functioning institutions.
MEPs called on authorities to accelerate reforms related to the rule of law, fundamental rights and anti-corruption measures.
The report also reiterated that normalization of relations with Serbia and implementation of the Brussels and Ohrid agreements remain crucial conditions for Kosovo’s European future.
Bosnia told to end obstructionism
Lawmakers reaffirmed support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU path while urging political leaders to end obstructionism and divisive rhetoric that continue to hamper reforms.
The Parliament called for strengthening democratic institutions, combating corruption and organized crime, and ensuring equal rights for all citizens.
MEPs stressed that long-delayed reforms are necessary if Bosnia and Herzegovina is to advance towards membership.
EU enlargement back on agenda
The votes come as Brussels seeks to inject new momentum into enlargement policy amid growing geopolitical competition in Europe and Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
European officials increasingly view Western Balkans integration as a strategic priority aimed at enhancing stability, security and economic resilience across the continent.
While Montenegro and Albania have emerged as the region’s most advanced candidates, the reports indicate that political reforms, rule of law standards and regional reconciliation remain decisive obstacles for several Western Balkan aspirants.