The European Union must be ready "by 2030" to welcome new Member States, European Council President Charles Michel said on Monday at a conference in the Slovenian town of Bled.
"Now that we are preparing the EU’s next strategic agenda, we must set a clear objective. I think that, on both sides, we have to be ready by 2030 for enlargement," the Belgian told the Bled strategic forum. He added this goal would be included in the EU’s next long-term budget.
Eight countries currently have candidate status: five Western Balkan countries (Serbia, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Albania), as well as Ukraine, Moldova and Turkey. They are all at various stages of the procedure. Georgia and Kosovo are "potential" candidates.
Michel also referred to the EU "taking a stand" on the opening of negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, and also mentioned the accession prospects of both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Georgia to be brought back into discussion.
"To be stronger and safer, the EU needs to reinforce our bonds and become more powerful. That’s why it is now time to tackle the challenge of enlargement," Michel stated.
During his trip, the European Council president also visited the area in Slovenia impacted by floods at the start of August. He stated that the European Commission had pledged to mobilise €400 million, which would act as a starting point. "This is not enough and one thing is absolutely clear... we are with all the Slovenian people."
