Europe aims for accession treaty with Montenegro by next summer: how far are Ukraine, Serbia, and Albania?

The European Commission anticipates signing the accession treaty with Montenegro by June 2027, with potential EU membership by 2028. Eurocommissioner Marta Kos highlights Montenegro, Albania, Moldova, and Ukraine as frontrunners in the accession process. Albania aims to complete negotiations by the end of 2027, while Moldova has opened 25 of 33 chapters since becoming a candidate in 2022. Ukraine's accession depends on ongoing reforms and the war's duration, with hopes to open all negotiation chapters by year-end. Serbia's progress has stalled, but recent elections may revitalize its accession efforts. Kos emphasizes the EU's critical phase in expanding its membership.