Commission Reports on the Progress of Aspiring EU Members
The European Commission has released the 2025 enlargement reports, providing a detailed evaluation of the progress made by candidate countries seeking to join the EU. These reports focus on Georgia, Moldova, Türkiye, Ukraine, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
The documents also outline essential reforms each partner must implement on its path toward EU membership. Enlargement remains a strategic priority for the Commission, which continues to advocate a consistent and merit-based approach to accession.
Progress and Key Areas
The reports highlight progress in enacting reforms, particularly in the fields of democracy, rule of law, and fundamental rights. However, additional efforts are required to meet EU standards and fully align with the Union's principles.
Gradual Integration and its Impact
A gradual process of integration is allowing candidate countries to strengthen political and economic ties with the EU even before formal accession. This process supports greater prosperity, stronger democratic systems, enhanced security, and improved stability across the region.
“Enlargement has made our Union stronger.”
For aspiring members, enlargement has improved living conditions, reduced unemployment, and boosted life expectancy. For existing EU members, it has increased trade, created new jobs, and expanded the Union’s economy by 27%, despite ongoing global challenges.
Author’s Summary
The European Commission’s 2025 reports confirm consistent progress by EU candidates, despite remaining challenges, reflecting enlargement as a driver of growth, democracy, and stability.