‘Enlargement helps the union’ — McAllister: EU should recognize the achievements of reform-advancing countries, leave no room for negative influence

David McAllister, chair of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, has called on the European Union to recognize the achievements of candidate countries that meet the conditions and advance with reforms, turning those results into concrete steps toward membership.

In a video message to the interparliamentary conference “Strategic agenda for EU enlargement and Albania’s membership,” McAllister stressed that the enlargement process is important for strengthening the continent’s long-term security and stability.

“The EU must not allow gaps in the region for third countries to expand their negative influence,” he said. McAllister said responsibility in the integration process is two-sided. Candidate countries must continue with reforms, while the European Union must respond to their progress.

“At the heart of the EU’s program are prosperity and security, and enlargement helps strengthen all three of these pillars. It brings economies closer together, strengthens democracies, and helps long-term resilience on our continent. Russia’s attack on Ukraine has underlined the importance of EU enlargement. Leaving the region in such prolonged uncertainty creates opportunities for third parties to expand their negative influence there.

The EU must move negotiations forward whenever conditions are met, and countries implementing reforms must grow their confidence in the EU. The EU must keep the commitment it has made. Responsibility is two-sided: countries must move forward with reforms, and the EU must recognize their achievements and turn them into further steps toward membership,” he said.

Referring to Albania, McAllister praised the opening of all negotiating chapters, calling it the result of important work. However, he stressed the process requires continued reforms, particularly in strengthening judicial independence, fighting corruption, and making public institutions function.

The European Parliament, he said, will continue to support Albania and Montenegro on their path toward European Union membership.

“Albania has opened all chapters, and these achievements reflect a great deal of work done by the government and many of us committed to seeing Albania’s future in the EU. This work should be recognized for Albania. The challenge now is strengthening judicial independence and achieving sustainable results in the fight against corruption, as well as making sure public institutions serve their citizens well. I urge you to pursue these reforms with the same determination. The European Parliament will continue to support Albania and Montenegro on their journey toward membership,” he said.