The European Union may see two new members, Montenegro and Albania, joining by 2030, according to Karoline Edtstadler, Austria’s minister for Europe. Edtstadler expressed her support for the admission of these two countries during an interview with Euronews at the Forum Alpbach policy congress. She emphasized the importance of gradual enlargement as a means to combat rising nationalism in candidate countries, particularly in the Western Balkans. By offering partial benefits of EU membership as countries fulfill specific conditions, gradual integration could incentivize progress towards full accession.
Edtstadler’s proposal suggests that candidate countries, such as Montenegro and Albania, be allowed to access certain benefits of EU membership as they meet specific criteria, rather than waiting until they fully comply with all requirements. By adopting this approach, countries could gain a sense of progress and motivation to continue their reform efforts. Edtstadler highlighted areas such as the single market and unified payments systems, where partial integration could be granted to reflect completed chapters.
To further engage candidate countries in the accession process, Edtstadler recommended increasing their participation in meetings in Brussels. By allowing politicians from these countries to directly inform their citizens about the progress and challenges of EU membership, a more transparent and inclusive approach could be adopted. Edtstadler believes that gradual integration will be crucial for the future of the EU’s enlargement strategy and is convinced that the concept will be embraced by the next European Commission.
Former Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius also supports the idea of gradual enlargement, highlighting the geopolitical benefits of returning to an early-2000s’ style enlargement philosophy. Kubilius suggested a progressive integration approach, where countries first enter the single market and then proceed with other chapters of EU membership. By allowing candidates to gradually integrate based on their progress, the EU could offer a more flexible and inclusive pathway to membership, ensuring sustained engagement with prospective member states.
Overall, the concept of gradual enlargement presents a pragmatic and realistic approach to EU expansion, particularly in regions such as the Western Balkans. By providing incentives and partial benefits of membership, candidate countries like Montenegro and Albania could be motivated to undertake necessary reforms and align themselves more closely with EU standards. Increasing transparency, inclusivity, and political engagement in the accession process could help overcome rising nationalism in candidate countries while ensuring the continued growth and stability of the European Union.
