Update 1 - Reforms for the EU in the Western Balkans - EC.

Image: European Commission, Brussels. Nov. 8 (SeeNews) - Progress on reforms needed for EU accession has slowed in the Western Balkans, the European Commission (EC) said Wednesday.

In Montenegro, progress on EU accession reforms has been hampered by political instability and polarization, but the new government and parliament are expected to show capacity and commitment to reform, the EC said in a statement.

Serbia is making progress in EU-related reforms, but additional changes are required to fully align the regulatory environment with EU law and European standards. The EC calls on Serbia to align its Common Foreign and Security Policy with the EU and to address the violence in Kosovo. Further work and political commitment are also needed to implement rule of law reforms.

North Macedonia should continue to implement EU-related reforms, including in the judiciary, the fight against corruption and organized crime, public administration reform, including public financial management, and public procurement.

Albania must make additional efforts in areas such as freedom of expression, minority issues and property rights, as well as in basic aspects of the rule of law, such as fighting corruption and organized crime. The Commission intends to begin accession negotiations within the fundamental cluster by the end of the year.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the new government has begun reforms, but further efforts are needed, especially in the areas of rule of law and constitutional reforms. EC recommends starting accession negotiations when membership criteria are met.

Kosovo has achieved legislative reforms, but much work remains to be done, including an action plan for reforms in the judiciary. In addition, challenges remain in northern Kosovo and in normalizing relations with Serbia.

Northern Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina are officially recognized as candidates for EU membership. Kosovo has applied for EU membership in December 2022.