EU Enlargement
EU Enlargement Policy
Since its establishment in 1958 the European Union has been a success story, bringing peace and stability to its Member States, the number of which has continued to expand. Today the European Union (EU) is the world’s largest economic region and a community of values. EU members are committed to democracy, the rule of law, freedom and human rights.
Western Balkans on the Path to EU Accession
The Western Balkans, which are at the heart of Europe, geographically surrounded by EU Member States, share the strategic goal of becoming EU members. The EU accession process is at the centre of EU-Western Balkans relations. As many EU leaders said on a number of occasions, “The European Union is not complete without the Western Balkans”.
Western Balkans Strategy
Adopted by the European Commission on 6 February 2018, the strategy for 'A credible enlargement perspective for and enhanced EU engagement with the Western Balkans' (and the Annex with Action Plan), confirms the European future of the region as a geostrategic investment in a stable, strong and united Europe based on common values.
Growth Plan for the Western Balkans 2024-2027
Considering geopolitical changes during last several years and growing importance of the Western Balkans for the security of the EU and its citizens, in order to enhance EU engagement with the Western Balkans and to accelerate reforms and economic growth, the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans was adopted by the Commission on 8 November 2023.
The Road for the Accession to the EU (Accession negotiations)
Accession of new member states to the European Union (EU) is governed by Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union. A state that wishes to apply for membership of the Union must satisfy two conditions:
1. It must be a European state;
2. It must respect the common values of the Member States and undertake to promote them. These are human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities (Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union).
North Macedonia path towards the EU membership
North Macedonia's application for EU membership was submitted on 22 March 2004.
On 9 November 2005, the Commission issued an opinion on the application from North Macedonia for membership of the European Union and recommended that North Macedonia be granted the status of candidate country.
North Macedonia was granted EU candidate status in December 2005.
• Opinion on the Macedonia's application for membership of the EU (EUR-Lex)
On 18 February 2008, the Council adopted the revised Accession Partnership with North Macedonia, which identified new and remaining priorities for action, adapted to the country's specific needs and stage of preparation.
Internal Reforms of the EU
The EU is advancing internal reforms to boost sovereignty, competitiveness, and security, while preparing for future enlargement. These reforms focus on four areas: values (democracy, rule of law, human rights), policies (competitiveness, agriculture, cohesion, security, justice), budget (next Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034), and governance (more effective and flexible decision-making). Launched at the Granada summit in 2023, the process has since produced progress reports and a Commission communication, with EU leaders in June 2024 endorsing a roadmap for detailed policy reviews and follow-up by the Council.
EU Barometer - Enlargement
In early 2025, a Special Eurobarometer poll, conducted between February and March with responses from over 26,300 citizens across all 27 EU Member States, found that 56% of EU citizens support further enlargement of the EU. Support is especially strong among younger respondents (aged 15–39), of whom approximately two-thirds believe potential candidate countries should be admitted once they meet the necessary conditions