Enlargement reports 2024: Commission outlines progress and priorities for candidate countries

01/11/2024

The Commission has adopted the 2024 enlargement reports, which offer a detailed assessment of the state of play and the progress made by the countries seeking to join the European Union. The reports also provide guidance on key reform priorities for each country.

The reports cover:

Georgia

Moldova

Türkiye

Ukraine

Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia)

The enlargement process gained new momentum throughout 2023 and 2024 with several enlargement countries making progress on their respective paths towards EU accession. However, countries must focus on accelerating structural reforms to enable sustainable growth and make progress in meeting the economic criteria for EU membership. This involves ensuring functioning market economies and demonstrating they can withstand the competitive pressures of the EU market. Additionally, their economic policies should align with the green and digital transition goals.

The enlargement process is merit-based and depends on the progress made by each of the partners. They must implement irreversible reforms in all areas of EU law, with special emphasis on the fundamentals of the enlargement process. The EU supports the enlargement countries through financing instruments and tools. In addition to the Economic and Investment Plan, the €6 billion Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans and the €50 billion Ukraine Facility aim to bring forward some of the benefits of single market access to these countries before they join the EU. Similarly, the recent €1.8 billion Growth Plan for Moldova will support its socio-economic reforms and boost investment.

Press release: Commission adopts 2024 Enlargement Package

2024 Communication on EU Enlargement Policy

How enlargement works

Factsheet on the EU accession process

Economic and Investment Plan for Western Balkans

New Growth Plan for the Western Balkans

Ukraine Facility

Growth Plan for Moldova

Albania: Report; Country factsheet

Bosnia and Herzegovina:  Report; Country factsheet

Kosovo:  Report; Country factsheet

Montenegro:  Report; Country factsheet