Adding New Countries: A Plan for Growth and Reform

European Parliament Resolution on EU Enlargement (March 2026)

• Purpose – The Parliament reaffirms that enlarging the EU is a key tool for security, peace, stability and prosperity in Europe. It stresses that the EU must keep its enlargement policy open, merit‑based and conditional on rule‑of‑law, democracy and human rights.

• Current status – 9 of the 10 countries that want to join the EU have candidate status. Ukraine and Moldova have opened accession negotiations, giving the policy new momentum.

• Public support – 56 % of EU citizens back further enlargement; Ukraine is the most popular new member.

• Benefits of past enlargements – Economic growth and competitiveness, stronger global influence, and better security.

• Western Balkans trade with the EU grew 62 % after their Stabilisation and Association Agreements.
• Moldova and Ukraine saw trade rise 65.4 % and 64.7 % after their Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreements.

• Geopolitical context – Russia’s war in Ukraine and its hybrid attacks threaten European security. Non‑EU actors (Russia, China) try to slow or derail the accession process.

• Core principles –

• Merit‑based: Each country must meet the Copenhagen criteria and show lasting reforms in rule of law, democracy, media freedom, anti‑corruption, and minority rights.
• Conditionality: No shortcuts; progress must be irreversible.
• CFSP alignment: Candidates must adopt EU foreign and security policies.

• Strategic priorities –

1. Speed up negotiations for countries that have made good progress (e.g., Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, Moldova).
2. Strengthen rule‑of‑law reforms and monitor them closely.
3. Support civil society and independent media in candidate countries.
4. Counter disinformation from Russia and other actors.
5. Enhance connectivity (transport, energy, digital) in the Black Sea region and the Western Balkans.

• Financial support –

• The 2028‑2034 Multi‑Annual Financial Framework (MFF) allocates 21 % (EUR 43.1 billion) to the Global Europe pillar, covering pre‑accession assistance, institutional strengthening and EU integration projects.
• Funds must be tied to rule‑of‑law and anti‑corruption benchmarks.
• The EU must keep the “Reform and Growth Facility” for the Western Balkans, the Ukraine Facility, and the Moldova Facility active.

• Institutional integration – Candidate countries should gain observer status in EU bodies (Parliament, European Defence Agency) and participate in EU projects (green transition, digital security, military mobility).

• Communication and public engagement –

• EU institutions must clearly explain the benefits of membership and the costs of non‑enlargement.
• Targeted campaigns should reach young people and civil society to build support.

• Action items for EU bodies –

• Forward this resolution to the Council, Commission, High Representative, and governments of member and candidate states.
• Review and strengthen the monitoring of reforms, especially in the “fundamentals” cluster.
• Ensure that any back‑sliding leads to a pause in negotiations until reforms are restored.

• Key numbers –

• 56 % public support for enlargement.
• 62 % trade growth for Western Balkans.
• 65.4 % trade growth for Moldova.
• 64.7 % trade growth for Ukraine.
• 21 % of the MFF budget (EUR 43.1 billion) earmarked for enlargement.

The resolution calls for a fast, transparent, and merit‑based enlargement process that strengthens Europe’s security, economy, and democratic values while ensuring that candidate countries meet strict rule‑of‑law and democratic standards.