The European Commission says Montenegro is on track to become the European Union’s 28th member state in 2028, with Albania and Moldova expected to follow in subsequent years. The reports describe this as part of the EU’s broader enlargement planning and annual assessment of candidate countries.
Across outlets, Brussels’ message is that Montenegro is closest to membership, while other Western Balkan and neighbouring candidates face different reform timelines. Deutsche Welle and Stuff say the Commission links fresh hope for Serbia to progress after elections and urges Ukraine to speed up reforms.
Euronews adds a Montenegro response, saying the country’s EU minister rejects the idea of “second-class” membership and points to potential closure of negotiating chapters before accession. Bloomberg frames the prospect of new members as potentially enabling a renewed push for expansion amid wider geopolitical competition.
