The European Union is facing a pivotal stage for the future of enlargement, after more than 10 years without admitting a new member state. In this process, Albania ranks among the countries that have made the greatest progress toward membership.
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A recent analysis published by the Financial Times notes that geopolitical developments, the war in Ukraine and security concerns have brought enlargement back to the forefront of Brussels’ agenda.
However, debate continues within the EU over whether the bloc is prepared to admit new members.
Albania is mentioned alongside Montenegro, Ukraine and Moldova as one of the countries that have advanced in membership negotiations.
“We have a clear path toward the European Union. The country is in its best position in many respects,” Prime Minister Edi Rama told the Financial Times.
According to the newspaper, Montenegro remains the candidate closest to membership, while Albania has begun the process of closing the first negotiating chapters and is among the countries implementing reforms at the fastest pace.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos stressed that enlargement should no longer be viewed simply as an economic process, as its security dimension is becoming increasingly important.
“Enlargement is no longer just about candidate countries reaching our level. Today, it is also a security policy. It is about how we Europeans can work together in the new global reality,” Kos said.
However, the Financial Times underscores that uncertainty persists within the European Union over how the enlargement process should be carried out.
France and Germany have proposed the idea of gradual integration. Under this model, candidate countries would receive partial membership benefits while implementing reforms. Some candidate countries, however, fear that this approach could delay the process even further.
The final months of 2026, according to the Financial Times, will be decisive in determining the direction of European Union enlargement.
If Montenegro completes the remaining chapters and the member states agree on internal EU reforms, the bloc could enter a new phase of enlargement.
Otherwise, the authors warn that the European Union’s credibility among countries seeking membership could be called into question.
