Enlargement of the European Union: the Temptation for Gradual Integration of New Member States

Le Monde

Lean Left

Factuality

Ownership

While Brussels welcomes the progress made by Montenegro and Albania, which are candidates for EU membership, such enlargement is still hypothetical. Various ideas are raised to overcome the reluctance expressed in some Member States, such as the introduction of step-by-step accession.

NOS

Lean Right

Factuality

Ownership

There is a "realistic chance" that the European Union will grow from 27 to 31 member states within five years. Moldova, Montenegro, Ukraine, and Albania are on the right track, the European Commission concludes in the candidate countries' annual progress report. Serbia and Georgia have received considerable criticism, and several other countries receive a meager pass mark. The Commission wants future accession treaties to include stricter safegu…