EU opens doors to new members: Four countries take major step next week

The European Union is poised to significantly advance its enlargement agenda next week, with accession talks opening or chapters being closed for four candidate countries. Irish Minister for European Affairs Thomas Byrne, whose country holds the Council of the EU presidency, described the upcoming Tuesday as a "super Tuesday for enlargement," anticipating the most accession conferences in a single day since 2002.

Ukraine and Moldova are set to make substantial progress by opening negotiations on Cluster 6, which encompasses two crucial chapters: External Relations and Foreign Security and Defense Policy. Although Ukraine had hoped to open all remaining clusters before the summer break, this will not occur despite the European Commission's assessment that both nations are prepared. Earlier in June, Ukraine and Moldova had already opened negotiations on the first and most vital cluster, covering Public Procurement, Statistics, Judiciary and Fundamental Rights, Justice, Freedom and Security, and Financial Control. These chapters are foundational to the accession process, typically being the first opened and last closed.

Montenegro, a frontrunner in the accession process, will close two additional chapters: Chapter 8 on Competition and Chapter 29 on the Customs Union. With these closures, Montenegro will have successfully concluded negotiations on 18 out of the 33 chapters under discussion. Albania will also mark a significant milestone by closing its first three chapters: Chapter 25 on Science and Research, Chapter 26 on Education and Culture, and Chapter 30 on External Relations.

The developments signal a renewed momentum in the EU's enlargement policy, offering a clear path forward for these aspiring member states. The "super Tuesday" is expected to be a landmark event, reflecting the EU's commitment to integrating new members and strengthening its geopolitical standing.

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We expect a super Tuesday for enlargement. On Tuesday, I will chair the most accession conferences in one day since 2002.