Moldova Leads EU Enlargement Pack
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos hails Moldova as the best performer, with Montenegro, Albania, and Ukraine also making strong progress in the EU enlargement process, which is on track for a record year in 2026
Moldova has been identified as the best performer in the EU enlargement process by EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos. This assessment comes as the EU is poised for a record year in 2026, with a significant number of new chapters expected to be opened and closed for existing applicants.
According to Commissioner Kos, Moldova's strong performance is notable given that it started the EU enlargement process much later than other applicant countries in the Balkans. Montenegro, Albania, and Ukraine are also considered frontrunners in the process, with Montenegro potentially finishing technical negotiations by the end of 2026 and becoming an EU member in 2028.
The EU enlargement process has seen seven waves of expansion since 1973, but there have been no new member states since Croatia joined in 2013. However, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year, with the EU on track to open and close more chapters than in any previous year in the last 25 years.
The implementation of EU reforms varies significantly among applicant countries, with Montenegro boasting a 91% implementation rate, while Bosnia and Herzegovina has a 0% implementation rate due to the failure of politicians to ratify two important agreements. This uneven implementation could lead to a reallocation of €330 million in EU funding away from the weakest performers in the Balkans.
## Why it matters The EU enlargement process is crucial for the economic and political development of applicant countries. A successful enlargement process can lead to increased economic growth, improved living standards, and enhanced regional stability. As the EU continues to navigate its enlargement process, the progress of countries like Moldova, Montenegro, Albania, and Ukraine will be closely watched.
The record year expected in 2026 is a significant milestone in the EU enlargement process, and Commissioner Kos's assessment of Moldova as the best performer highlights the country's commitment to implementing EU reforms. As the EU looks to the future, the success of the enlargement process will depend on the ability of applicant countries to meet the necessary criteria and implement EU reforms effectively.
