The Countries Europe Should Let Into the EU Next

The reforms are imperfect, but the direction and public commitment are real.

Closest to ready, small enough to absorb and overdue for a credible reward.

The strategic case is overwhelming; the institutional work is still enormous.

Strategically essential, politically far from the membership standards it once pursued.

A vulnerable democracy making a serious European choice under pressure.

No candidate has been asked to compromise more for so little movement.

Membership could stabilize the state, but the state must first prove it can function.

Europe cannot preach regional settlement while leaving Kosovo permanently outside.

The public's European commitment deserves better than its government's recent direction.

Geography argues yes; democratic backsliding and Russian alignment argue not yet.