BRUSSELS (AP) — In a series of reports, the European Union’s executive branch delivered positive news to Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia regarding their aspirations to join the EU—prompting an appearance of slipping back in the queue for countries in the volatile Balkans region that have waited longer to become members of the world’s biggest trading bloc.
The EU’s recommendation that Ukraine should be permitted to open membership talks, once shortfalls are addressed, is a triumph for the war-ravaged nation. The European Commission lauded Ukraine, which Russian troops invaded last year, citing the government’s “remarkable level of institutional strength, determination, and ability to function.” However, talks will only commence after addressing corruption, lobbying, and national minorities legislation.
Moldova received a similar message, while Georgia was told it should be named an official candidate once it addresses shortcomings in the fight against corruption and election deficiencies, but accession talks are not impending.
The commission’s annual progress reports outline technical guidance about the degree of alignment in laws and standards with those of the EU. These recommendations will be addressed at a summit in Brussels in December.
For two decades, the prospect of EU membership has propelled pro-democratic reform in aspiring countries, but prolonged waiting periods have discouraged Balkan nations—Albania, Bosnia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Kosovo—from seeking EU membership. Some aspirants appear to be treading water, such as Bosnia, facing ethnic divisions that hamper reform. Serbia and Kosovo, last in line, continue to refuse normalizing their relations.
Ursula von der Leyen promoted an economic growth plan during her Balkans tour. Last month, a senior EU official stated that “Balkan countries continue to see themselves as the center of our attention, and refuse to accept that actually it’s Ukraine,” expressing support for Ukraine over the Balkans.
Turkey’s hopes for joining the EU are at a standstill, with little advancement since its membership talks began in 2005. The country’s progress report indicated democratic deficiencies, declining human rights standards, and faltering progress in the fight against corruption.
