EU Gives no Dates for Western Balkans’ EU Accession

Heads of states and prime ministers renew their commitment to Western Balkan enlargement, emphasizing reforms, rule of law, and regional cooperation, while stopping short of naming specific countries or providing clear timelines for EU membership. European leaders are concerned about Europe’s political, economic, and international relations difficulties. No one is currently eager to push for rapid accessions.

By eEuropa

Brussels,  19 December 2024 – 3 MINUTES READ

The European Council reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to eventual membership for the entire Western Balkans region but did not set concrete accession dates or commit to any specific country’s timeline. While referencing certain partners’ progress and conditions for access to various EU mechanisms, the declaration did not name individual countries for imminent enlargement nor provide exact deadlines. Instead, it outlined conditions and reforms that Western Balkan partners must undertake, reiterated support for the ongoing accession process, and stressed the importance of alignment with EU standards, particularly concerning the rule of law, economic reforms, and the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina.

In the Brussels Declaration of 18 December 2024, the European Council and EU leaders reconfirmed the perspective of EU membership for the Western Balkans as a region but refrained from specifying any concrete accession dates or granting immediate steps to any single country.

The document focuses on the following points:

1. No Specific Dates for Enlargement
   Although the EU recognizes enlargement as a “geostrategic investment” and acknowledges “new dynamism” in the process, it does not mention a target year or a fixed timetable for when any Western Balkan state might join. The text emphasizes that membership depends on each partner’s own merits, progress on reforms, and compliance with EU standards.
2. No Individual Country Highlighted for Immediate Accession
   The declaration does not single out any specific Western Balkan country (e.g., Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo) for imminent EU entry. Instead, it speaks consistently of “Western Balkan partners” and conditions that apply broadly across the region.
3. Conditions and Reforms Outlined Rather than Exact Timelines
   Instead of giving deadlines, the document underscores the importance of rule of law reforms, freedom of expression, the fight against organized crime and corruption, and the alignment with EU foreign and security policies. The Growth Plan and the new EUR 6 billion Reform and Growth Facility are mentioned as instruments to bring the Western Balkans closer to the EU. Partners are expected to meet certain conditions—such as submitting or implementing Reform Agendas, aligning with EU visa policies, and signing required agreements for closer market integration.
4. Mention of Specific Agreements and Issues, Not Countries for Accession Dates
   The declaration references the importance of implementing the Prespa Agreement (involving North Macedonia and Greece) and the Treaty on Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation with Bulgaria, highlighting the need for good neighborly relations and resolving bilateral issues. It also stresses the need for Kosovo (Pristina) and Serbia (Belgrade) to normalize their relations, as this is holding back both partners.
5. Support and Instruments Provided, But No Explicit Timelines
   The EU pledges continued support (through financial instruments, the Economic and Investment Plan, the European Peace Facility, and sectoral integration efforts) and gradual integration steps (like participation in EU programs and reduction of roaming charges) but does not indicate a date by which the Western Balkans might become EU members.

In summary, The European Council’s declaration did not specify any enlargement dates or name individual countries that are next in line to join. It focused on reaffirming the Western Balkans’ European perspective, highlighting conditions and reforms needed, and providing frameworks and support mechanisms. The approach is merit-based, with no explicit deadlines, leaving the timeline open-ended and subject to partners’ progress on required reforms and alignment with EU standards.