The EU moves forward on expansion – and the rule of law

The European Union has taken a step toward expanding its borders while reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law. In a major development, the EU held simultaneous accession talks with four potential new members, Albania, Montenegro, Moldova, and Ukraine, on July 14, marking what EU Commissioner Marta Kos described as a “super Tuesday” for enlargement. These discussions come amid ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and legal frameworks across Europe, even as challenges persist in certain regions. The 2026 European Commission Rule of Law Report, released recently, highlights a broadly positive trajectory for the rule of law across the continent. According to the report, 47% of the 2025 recommendations aimed at improving judicial independence and anti-corruption measures have been implemented. Citizens in 17 EU countries and businesses in 18 perceive judicial independence as either improved or unchanged compared to the previous year. Despite reports of hostility toward journalists, the EU-Balkans region continues to lead in press freedom rankings, as per the latest World Press Freedom Index. The EU's push for expansion is also accompanied by a renewed openness to admitting new members. Albania and Montenegro, both of which have completed more than half the requirements for EU membership, were engaged in detailed discussions. Meanwhile, Moldova and Ukraine, still in the early stages of their accession processes, are being considered for future negotiations. The EU's approach reflects a strategic shift toward a more flexible model of integration, known as “structured gradual integration.” This model, proposed by France and Germany, allows candidate countries to benefit from early trade and economic ties while deferring full voting and representation rights until they meet all necessary governance standards. The prime minister of Albania expressed willingness to forgo voting and veto rights in exchange for accelerated membership, signaling a pragmatic stance from some candidate states. Commissioner Kos emphasized that support for enlargement hinges on candidates demonstrating good governance. This condition has led to delays in negotiations with countries such as Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and North Macedonia, which have yet to fully implement required reforms. However, the report notes that even some existing EU members, including Slovakia and Hungary, have experienced declines in rule-of-law indicators. Notably, Hungary has shown signs of change following a decisive public vote against longtime leader Viktor Orbán in April. A political analyst from Hungary told The Associated Press that a new, active political generation is emerging, characterized by a strong sense of justice that conflicts with authoritarian practices and corruption. This shift suggests a broader regional trend toward democratic renewal, driven by public demand for transparency and accountability. Across Central and Eastern Europe, citizens continue to value the rule of law highly, often challenging government actions through protests and advocacy. This grassroots movement, combined with the EU’s institutional push for reform, creates a powerful dynamic that could shape the future of European governance. As the EU looks ahead, the interplay between local demands for democracy and the EU’s structured integration model will remain central to the continent’s evolving political landscape.