The European Parliament on Wednesday adopted two resolutions praising Montenegro and Moldova for progress on their respective paths toward European Union membership, while urging both countries to accelerate reforms and resist foreign interference.
In a resolution passed with 470 votes in favour, 102 against, and 77 abstentions, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) reaffirmed Montenegro’s status as the leading EU candidate country, commending its alignment with EU foreign policy and its aim to join the bloc by 2028. However, they stressed that further reforms are urgently needed in the areas of electoral integrity, judicial independence, and the fight against organised crime and corruption.
“Montenegro’s achievements provide a solid foundation, but major challenges remain,” said Marjan Šarec (Renew Europe, Slovenia), the Parliament’s rapporteur for Montenegro. “Cross-party cooperation in adopting key legislation reflects a shared understanding that the European path is the only viable one.”
The Parliament also expressed concern over growing hybrid threats and disinformation campaigns targeting Montenegro, including cyberattacks and malign foreign interference, which MEPs said are intended to destabilise the country and undermine its EU aspirations.
In a separate vote, MEPs approved a resolution on Moldova’s EU membership bid by 456 votes to 118, with 51 abstentions. The report highlighted Moldova’s steady progress in aligning its legal framework with EU standards despite ongoing challenges, including the war in neighbouring Ukraine and Russian interference in its internal affairs.
“Despite enormous pressure, Moldova has demonstrated a remarkable determination to stay on the European course,” said Sven Mikser (S&D, Estonia), the rapporteur on Moldova. “Its strategic importance for Europe cannot be overstated.”
MEPs welcomed Moldova’s continued commitment to pro-European reforms and urged the European Commission to boost its support to help the country meet accession criteria. They also praised the professionalism of Moldova’s recent referendum on European integration and the 2024 presidential election, both of which affirmed popular support for EU membership.
However, lawmakers warned of expected Russian disinformation campaigns and hybrid threats ahead of Moldova’s parliamentary elections in autumn 2025, stressing that those elections will be critical to the country’s EU trajectory.
The resolutions underscore the EU’s broader enlargement strategy amid heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans.