EU chief calls for Brussels to get ready to accept new members by 2030

EU chief Charles Michel has called for the EU to be ready to accept new members by 2030.

Speaking at the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia, where leaders from the Western Balkans gathered yesterday, the European Council President said: “Enlargement is no longer a dream. It is time to move forward.”

Eight countries – Turkey, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Moldova, Ukraine, and Bosnia and Herzegovina – currently hold candidate status.

But for many in the Western Balkans the process has stalled, while it has been put on hold for Turkey.

Ukraine, Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina have been granted candidate status since Vladimir Putin launched his brutal invasion of Kyiv.

Mr Michel admitted the biggest challenge could be convincing Europeans.

He said: “We need to make sure we have the hearts of the people with us.”

Mr Michel added: “There is still a lot of work to do. It will be difficult. I believe we must be ready – on both sides – by 2030 to enlarge.

“This is ambitious, but necessary. It shows that we are serious.”

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