EU sets out accession roadmaps, gradual integration plans for candidate countries

The European Commission on Wednesday presented accession roadmaps for Ukraine and three other leading EU membership candidates. Adopting its annual enlargement package, the EU executive outlined milestones for Montenegro, Albania, Moldova and Ukraine, while stressing that progress toward membership depends on reforms.

The report showed that Montenegro has made progress in its judicial reform, the rule of law and institutional adjustments. It is expected to conclude EU accession negotiations in the foreseeable future. However, the accession treaty would still need to be ratified through relevant procedures in both EU member states and the candidate country, so the final timeline remains uncertain.