EU enlargement
The Russian war of aggression on Ukraine has created a new dynamic n the EU's enlargement policy. In 2022, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia joined the Western Balkans and Türkiye. EU accession negotiations are currently underway with Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, North Macedonia and, since June 2024, also with Ukraine and Moldova. Negotiations with Türkiye have been on hold since 2018. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Georgia have candidate status. Kosovo is a potential candidate country.
Montenegro and Albania are considered the frontrunners of EU enlargement. All 33 negotiating chapters have been opened with both countries, with Montenegro already able to provisionally conclude 14. The Council of the European Union acknowledged Montenegro's good progress and encouraged the country to maintain the pace of reforms. The Council also expressed its support for Albania, in particular on progress in the area of the rule of law, but stressed the importance of media freedom and minority rights.
With Serbia, 22 chapters were opened and two were closed. The Council of the European Union welcomed the overall progress made so far, but sees potential for improvement in the areas of justice and the rule of law, as well as freedom of expression and independence of the media.
No negotiation chapters have yet been opened with North Macedonia.
In numerous conclusions, the European Council acknowledged Ukraine's significant progress, in particular in the areas of the rule of law, justice and public administration. Some progress has been made in the fight against corruption.
The European Council also welcomes Moldova's clear commitment to its reform process. Sustained and tangible progress on reforms, in particular in the areas of the rule of law, justice and fundamental rights, is crucial for Moldova to make further progress on the path to accession. The continuation of transformative economic reforms, sectoral cooperation and the integration of Moldova into the EU single market is important in order to make further progress in economic and financial sector reforms.
The Council called on Georgia to show a clear commitment to EU values, to make further progress on the reform agenda and to meet the conditions set out in the Commission's report. However, controversial measures, such as the planned transparency law in June 2024, led to a standstill in Georgia's accession process. In December 2024, the Georgian government also decided to suspend the country's EU accession process until 2028.
Austria in the region
Austria is one of the most important foreign investors in most countries of the Western Balkans. Austria's holdings of active investments amounted to EUR 6.9 billion (+ 3,3 percent) in 2025. Exports to the Western Balkan countries also increased by 4.7 percent to around EUR 2.3 billion in 2025.
More than 50,000 people are directly employed by Austrian direct investments in the Western Balkan countries. Austria occupies a special position in the banking sector. In addition, Austrian companies are successful in the areas of insurance, energy, infrastructure and mobile communications.
Additional information
Contact
Europe: EU-Erweiterung@bmwet.gv.at