European Council President Charles Michel has emphasized the importance of the European Union (EU) being ready to incorporate new member states by the year 2030.

Speaking at a conference in Bled, Slovenia, Michel outlined the need for both sides to be prepared for enlargement during this timeframe as the EU formulates its upcoming strategic agenda.

The EU has not expanded its membership since the accession of Croatia in 2013, partly due to enlargement fatigue among certain member states and gradual progress in some Balkan nations that were potential candidates for membership over the past two decades.

The recent Russian invasion of Ukraine revitalized discussions about EU expansion. In the summer of 2022, Ukraine and Moldova were granted candidate status, renewing interest in Western Balkan candidate members like Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

While acknowledging that the EU's gradual pace has led to disappointment, Michel stressed that accession is contingent on candidates meeting criteria related to democracy, the rule of law, and compliance with European legislation, as well as economic compatibility with the single market.

Michel expressed the EU's intention to strengthen support for the accession process. He mentioned the possibility of a "progressive integration" approach, allowing candidate countries to benefit from certain advantages of membership prior to full accession.

Michel also recognized the internal reforms needed within the EU itself to accommodate new members, stating, "Integrating new members into our Union will not be easy. It will impact our policies, programs, and budgets, necessitating political reforms and courage." Photo by Unión Europea en Perú from Lima, Perú, Wikimedia commons.