About: EU enlargement
Donors pledge an ‘overwhelming’ €1.15 billion for Albania quake recovery
International donors on Monday (17 February) pledged €1.15 billion to help Albania recover from a powerful earthquake last year, the EU chief announced, more than double the sum expected by Tirana.
EU in ‘frank’ talks with Western Balkan nations seeking membership
European Council president Charles Michel on Sunday (16 February) met with leaders of the six Western Balkan nations seeking to join the EU, for 'frank' talks ahead of a key summit in Zagreb in May.
Bulgaria warns Serbia over refusal to extradite banker
Bulgaria’s chief prosecutor Ivan Geshev has written letters to the European institutions to complain about Serbia’s refusal to extradite a banker held responsible for what is considered Bulgaria's theft of the century, hinting it might affect Serbia's EU membership bid.
Commission tries to breathe new life into EU enlargement
The new enlargement rules presented by the Commission on Wednesday (5 February) are supposed to inject credibility, predictability, dynamism and a political steer into the increasingly moribund process. "This is a geostrategic investment," promised Olivér Várhelyi, the Commissioner for enlargement.
EU set to modify member accession method to placate France
The EU is set to propose ways to modify the accession procedures for countries entering the bloc in a bid to placate France, but Brussels cautioned Tuesday (4 February) that any changes won't be major ones.
North Macedonia PM Zaev quits before April polls
North Macedonia's Prime Minister Zoran Zaev resigned Friday (3 January) ahead of a vote in April called after the EU blocked the start of membership talks with Skopje, the key policy goal of his cabinet.
Croatia priorities at EU helm: Brexit, enlargement
Brexit and EU enlargement will be priorities during Croatia's six-month presidency of the bloc, Foreign Minister Goran Grlić-Radman said Wednesday (1 January).
Give us hope, give us membership talks, North Macedonia tells EU
The EU must deliver soon on its promise to open membership talks with North Macedonia, the country's foreign minister has told AFP, warning that messages of hope were ringing hollow after three rejections.
Albania elects Western-trained prosecutor general as part of judicial reforms
Albania’s parliament elected Olsian Çela as prosecutor general on Thursday (5 December) as part of judicial reforms sought by the West that are intended to kick out corrupt judges. The European Union has told Albania the reforms must remain a...
Orban says Hungary to increase its EU influence with the enlargement portfolio
Hungarian nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán hailed Friday (22 November) the confirmation of Budapest's nominee as a key EU commissioner as the country's "biggest diplomatic success" in a decade.
Tusk vows to fight populism, elected new EPP chief
Outgoing EU Council president Donald Tusk pledged Wednesday (20 November) to fight political populism as he was elected leader of Europe's main conservative parties during their group meeting in Croatia.
Amid NATO tensions, Estonian President highlights Russia risk
NATO should be ready to defend Estonia should the country face risks emanating from its neighbour Russia, Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid has told EURACTIV. Her comments came following French President Macron's recent claim that the alliance is 'brain dead.'
EU faces rift over enlargement policy after French ‘non’
European Union members wrangled over the rules for joining their club on Tuesday (19 November), after France triggered anger by seeking to postpone bids from Albania and North Macedonia. At the 17-18 October summit, EU heads of state and government...
Von der Leyen locks horns with Macron over EU enlargement
The new European Commission has yet to be approved, but its president-elect has already locked horns with French President Emmanuel Macron over the future of EU enlargement.
Russia calls for closing UN office in Bosnia
Russia called Tuesday (5 November) for closing the office of the UN High Representative in Bosnia, claiming the senior UN official there is biased.
Sassoli in Skopje: ‘Don’t lose hope’
Visiting European Parliament President David Sassoli urged North Macedonia on Monday (4 October) not to lose hope after the recent failure of the European Council to reach a decision for opening EU accession talks.
US envoy knocks EU’s ‘bad message’ to the Balkans
Washington's envoy to the Western Balkans on Monday (4 November) criticised the EU for delaying the start of membership talks with North Macedonia and Albania, saying it sent a "bad message" to a region where all countries hope to join the bloc.
Albania offers first comments on Macron’s enlargement damper
A conference in Tirana on Thursday (31 October) provided a rare insight into the state of mind of the country’s government, but also of other regional players, following the EU's recent failure to take a decision on opening accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia.
Russia sends S-400 missile defense systems to Serbia for military drill
Russia said on Thursday (24 October) a division of its S-400 missile defense system would take part in a military drill in Serbia, underlining Moscow’s wish to keep a traditional ally on side even as Belgrade pursues links with NATO and the European Union.
All eyes on France after inconclusive enlargement summit debate
After a long night of inconclusive discussions, EU heads of state are set to return to the EU enlargement issue today (18 October). All eyes are on France, as Emmanuel Macron's position has so far been the major stumbling block for opening accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania.
AS IT HAPPENED: Brexit, Budget, Balkans
European leaders gather for a summit in Brussels on 17-18 October to discuss if, how and when the United Kingdom will leave the bloc. With everything up in the air, an extension seems the safest bet. The EU's seven-year budget, enlargement to the Western Balkans and escalation in Syria will also be high on the agenda.
France halts EU enlargement
France blocked the opening of accession talks with North Macedonia on Tuesday (15 October), despite the promise made by the EU to Skopje that its historic name deal with Greece, the Prespa agreement, would earn it a ticket to EU membership negotiations.
Visegrad countries back opening of accession talks with North Macedonia, Albania
Four eastern European Union members on Thursday (12 September) backed the accession of Western Balkan countries to the bloc, saying North Macedonia and Albania should start talks this year.