The European Union has offered Serbia a fresh opportunity to advance its membership bid, saying that talks could progress if a new student-led government strengthens democracy and the rule of law.
Serbia’s membership prospects had weakened under former President Aleksandar Vucic, with the EU raising concerns over democratic standards and warning of possible funding cuts.
In its annual enlargement report, the European Commission said Montenegro could become the EU’s 28th member in 2028, followed by Albania and Moldova in 2029. Ukraine is unlikely to meet the conditions for membership before 2030.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, “Step by step, we are building a more complete, stronger Union.” The Commission also outlined new roadmaps for candidate countries as the bloc seeks to revive its enlargement process after years of stalled negotiations.