Countries Europe Should Let Into the EU Next

Montenegro is closest to meeting the requirements, small enough to integrate smoothly and overdue for proof that sustained accession work produces membership.

Ukraine would transform the Union economically, politically and militarily, but membership must follow enforceable reforms rather than become a symbolic wartime prize.

North Macedonia changed its name for the European path and was then delayed again, making its case a test of whether EU promises retain credibility.

Bosnia and Herzegovina belongs in Europe, but its constitutional paralysis and nationalist vetoes make readiness much harder to demonstrate than aspiration.

Kosovo has a young pro-European population and strategic reason to join, but recognition by every EU member remains an unavoidable obstacle.

Georgia's public commitment to Europe is strong; its government's authoritarian direction means accession should wait for a convincing democratic reversal.

Serbia has the economic and geographic case for membership, but democratic decline and close ties with Russia make its present commitment doubtful.

Albania has made substantial institutional progress and remains strongly pro-European, although corruption and administrative capacity still require hard scrutiny.

Moldova's democratic direction and strategic vulnerability make accession urgent; the challenge is strengthening institutions while part of the country remains occupied.

Turkey would add enormous economic and strategic weight, yet its current political system is far from the democratic conditions membership requires.