Slovenia welcomes 2026 Enlargement Package and supports credible progress by candidate countries

“Enlargement must remain a credible process based on achievements and implemented reforms. We must reward countries that are making progress with a clear European perspective and concrete steps forward,” emphasised Tone Kajzer, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs.

Slovenia supports the European Commission’s recommendations and the proposed timelines for the next steps in the accession process. Progress must remain conditional on each country's fulfilment of the accession criteria and the results achieved. The rule of law, functioning democratic institutions, an independent judiciary, fundamental rights, media freedom, regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations must remain at the heart of the process.

Slovenia supports the European Commission’s proposal to establish a more comprehensive and structured framework for the gradual integration of candidate countries into EU policies and programmes, subject to the fulfilment of the relevant requirements. This approach will bring tangible benefits to people in candidate countries even before they join the EU, while preparing them for the responsibilities of membership and thereby supporting the overall enlargement process.

Slovenia continues to pay particular attention to the Western Balkans. The countries of the region belong in the European Union, and their progress towards EU membership is crucial for Europe's overall security and stability. Slovenia will continue to support them in implementing reforms and strengthening regional cooperation. Candidate countries must honour their commitments, while the EU must maintain a credible European perspective for the region and sustain the political momentum of the enlargement process.

The European Commission highlights the importance of resolving outstanding succession issues following the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia, as well as the need to implement existing agreements in good faith. Slovenia shares the view that building trust and good neighbourly relations requires candidate countries to consistently fulfil their obligations under international law, including those arising from the Agreement on Succession Issues.

Slovenia welcomes Montenegro’s continued progress towards EU membership and the results achieved in the accession negotiations. Montenegro remains a frontrunner in the enlargement process, as demonstrated by the provisional closure of additional negotiation chapters. Slovenia encourages Montenegro to maintain its reform momentum, particularly in the area of the rule of law, and to preserve broad political consensus on its European path. It also advocates for the conclusion of accession negotiations by the end of 2026, the completion of the remaining steps as soon as possible and the signing of the Accession Treaty next year.

Albania has made significant progress towards EU accession. In just over a year, it has opened all accession negotiation clusters, met the interim benchmarks for Cluster 1 and provisionally closed the first four chapters. Slovenia shares the European Commission’s assessment that Albania must maintain the pace and quality of reform implementation to meet the requirements for the provisional closure of all negotiation chapters within the envisaged timeframe.

Slovenia welcomes Moldova’s progress in the accession negotiations and supports its continued progress towards EU membership. It also endorses the European Commission’s assessment that Moldova has met the conditions for opening the remaining negotiation clusters by the end of 2026. Slovenia encourages Moldova to maintain its reform momentum, particularly regarding the rule of law. Once the relevant criteria have been met, this will pave the way for the provisional closure of the first negotiation chapters.

Slovenia strongly supports Ukraine’s European future and its reform efforts despite the extremely challenging circumstances as a result of Russia’s war of aggression. The European Commission assesses that Ukraine has met the conditions for opening the remaining two negotiation clusters. At the same time, it emphasises the need to significantly accelerate reforms in the area of the rule of law to meet the interim benchmarks, which are essential for advancing to the next stage of the accession negotiations. Slovenia supports the opening of the remaining clusters by the end of 2026 and encourages Ukraine to further strengthen judicial independence and step up efforts to combat corruption. In this context, Slovenia welcomes the European Commission’s recognition of Ukraine’s particular importance for EU security. Through its experience in addressing security and hybrid threats, as well as through cooperation and the exchange of expertise, Ukraine is already contributing to strengthening European defence preparedness. Closer integration of Ukraine’s defence industry with the European defence sector will further enhance Europe's long-term defence capabilities, technological innovation and resilience.

The European Commission notes that North Macedonia has not yet fulfilled the necessary conditions to advance in the accession process. Slovenia strongly supports North Macedonia on its path towards EU membership and hopes that the commitments undertaken will be fulfilled as soon as possible, paving the way for tangible progress in the country's accession process. Slovenia also welcomes the accelerated implementation of reforms in North Macedonia under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.

According to the European Commission’s assessment, Serbia has regressed in the areas of fundamental rights, the rule of law, judicial independence and media freedom. Furthermore, it has made no visible progress in the accession negotiations, despite demonstrating readiness to advance in areas related to competitiveness and inclusive growth. Serbia's progress towards EU membership must be based on tangible results and the fulfilment of the relevant accession criteria. Slovenia therefore expects Serbia to align with and fully implement the EU acquis, as well as to honour its obligations under binding international agreements in accordance with European values.

Regarding Bosnia and Herzegovina, the European Commission notes that political deadlock and a standstill in the reform process have caused the country to fall further behind on its European path. The key requirements for opening accession negotiations and accessing funds under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans remain unfulfilled. Slovenia expects government institutions at all levels to be established as soon as possible following the elections and to begin implementing the necessary reforms without further delay. Bosnia and Herzegovina can count on Slovenia's support in these efforts.

Slovenia remains a staunch advocate of Kosovo’s European perspective and welcomes the progress achieved in specific reform areas. Further progress towards EU accession will require accelerated reforms, stronger rule of law and the protection of the rights of all communities. It will also depend on constructive engagement in the dialogue on the normalisation of relations with Serbia and the fulfilment of commitments undertaken. Slovenia will continue to support concrete steps bringing Kosovo closer to the EU.

According to the European Commission’s assessment, Türkiye remains a candidate country and a key partner for the EU. Nevertheless, it is backsliding on democratic standards, fundamental rights and the rule of law.

The European Commission also notes that Georgia is moving away from European values and its European path. Respect for democratic principles, the rule of law and fundamental rights is a prerequisite for progress in the accession process.