EU Council President Charles Michel, with a particular reference to the Western Balkans, emphasized the need for the 27-member EU to be ready for enlargement by 2030.
Speaking at the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia, Michel said, “As we gear up for the EU strategic agenda, we need to establish a clear objective: to be fully prepared for enlargement by 2030, encompassing all aspects.”
Michel pointed out the Western Balkan countries, with particular reference to Ukraine and Moldova, as the regions where the EU should expand.
EU chief did not mention Ankara
However, notably, he did not mention Türkiye, despite its longstanding candidate status.
Türkiye submitted its application for full membership in the European community on April 14, 1987, without waiting for the completion of the phases outlined in the Ankara Agreement.
“The moment has arrived to cast aside uncertainty and confront challenges with transparency,” Michel asserted, underlining that the Western Balkans were extended an EU perspective two decades ago.
Expansion is no longer just a dream; it is time to take action. There is still much work ahead, and expansion will be challenging, intricate, and demanding for both current and prospective members, according to Michel.
Türkiye’s status
At present, the EU candidate countries include Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia from the Western Balkans, along with Türkiye since 1999, and Ukraine and Moldova since 2022.
Additionally, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, and Kosovo are considered potential candidate countries.
By Breaking News Turkey with agencies