European leaders have managed to adopt at midnight the conclusions on enlargement, stressing the importance of continuing this process as a geostrategic investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity. The European Council reminds the candidate countries to continue reforms, particularly in the area of ​​the rule of law.
“Aspiring countries should continue their reform efforts, particularly in the area of ​​the rule of law, in accordance with the principle of meritocracy that characterises the accession process. The European Council recalls that the accession process is based on meritocracy and that each candidate country advances in the accession negotiations on the basis of its individual progress,” the statement said.
The leaders also appreciated the new enlargement strategy proposed by Commissioner Kos.
“The European Council welcomes the work being carried out on the drafting of the accession treaty with Montenegro. It takes note of the intention of the Irish Presidency of the Council to work towards the provisional closure of the remaining negotiation chapters, taking into account the implementation of relevant reforms by Montenegro,” the statement said.
The head of the European Council Antonio Costa himself, in a post on X, said: “This week we had intergovernmental conferences with Montenegro, Ukraine, Moldova and Albania. The accession process is making progress driven by reforms. At the same time, we must prepare to welcome new members to the EU family,” said EC President Antonio Costa.
On October 28, the European Commission will publish annual progress reports for candidate countries.