EU expansion report: Montenegro leads accession race as Bosnia drifts away

Presenting the European Commission's latest enlargement package, Kos noted that the expansion process has made significant strides over the past year, with the four most advanced candidate countries receiving indicative roadmaps.

Montenegro, according to Kos, is entering the final stage of its accession process. She highlighted that for the first time since Croatia concluded negotiations in 2011, the EU is approaching the possibility of bringing negotiations with another candidate country to a close. Drafting of Montenegro's accession treaty is already underway, with potential signing set for 28 June and full membership targeted for 2028.

In stark contrast, the Commission offered a critical assessment of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"In Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is a growing distance from the European path," Kos said, pointing out that key EU-related reforms remain unadopted while government and legislative work continue to be stalled by the lack of a functional ruling coalition. She added that political posturing and anti-European rhetoric intensified in the run-up to the country's general elections.

"Following the general elections on 4 October, Bosnia and Herzegovina must demonstrate commitment and swiftly take relevant steps to move forward on its European path," Kos urged. Although Bosnia was granted candidate status in December 2022 and received approval to open accession talks in March 2024, the formal negotiating framework remains conditional on fulfilling key Commission benchmarks.

Kos also introduced a new "gradual integration" model designed to allow candidate countries to access specific EU benefits prior to full accession. The European Commission plans to launch dialogues with enlargement nations in the first quarter of next year to explore deeper inclusion in European policies and structures.