European Council President highlights €2 trillion economic growth and 26 million jobs created since 2004; Montenegro could become the EU’s 28th member by 2028

BRUSSELS, (Unib Rashid) – European Council President António Costa has described European Union enlargement as one of Europe’s most successful geopolitical investments, arguing that expanding the bloc strengthens peace, security, democracy and economic prosperity rather than placing an additional burden on existing member states.

In a message delivered to the Euronews EU Enlargement Summit on 3 November 2026, Costa highlighted the economic achievements of previous enlargement rounds and called for renewed political commitment to bringing candidate countries closer to the European Union.

He said enlargement had played a crucial role in overcoming historical divisions, promoting reconciliation and building a stronger Europe. In an increasingly uncertain international environment, he argued, expanding the EU would further strengthen its position as a geopolitical actor, a resilient economic power and a force for peace.

Costa stressed that enlargement was not simply about increasing the number of EU member states but also about fulfilling the democratic aspirations of millions of Europeans who had chosen freedom, democracy and cooperation.

He said candidate countries undertaking difficult reforms deserved solidarity and sustained political support, while emphasising that the accession process must remain fair, consistent and based on merit.

Economic Benefits of Previous Enlargements

Citing the 2004 enlargement as a successful example, Costa said more than 100 million people had joined the European Union since then, while the combined economy had expanded by more than €2 trillion.

According to the figures presented by the European Council president, countries from Central and Eastern Europe that joined the bloc 22 years ago have more than doubled the size of their economies.

He added that new member states had contributed to the creation of 26 million jobs, including more than six million in their own countries.

“These figures demonstrate that enlargement is not a burden to be managed, it is an investment in our collective and shared prosperity,” Costa said.

He noted that enlargement creates opportunities for citizens and businesses across the EU, expands markets, strengthens the European social model and improves the bloc’s ability to withstand global economic shocks.

Gradual Integration Before Full Membership

Costa emphasised that the benefits of EU enlargement should not be limited to the moment a country formally joins the bloc. He said the European Union was already bringing candidate countries closer through gradual integration, creating practical economic and social benefits during the accession process.

In the Western Balkans, the EU Growth Plan and other European initiatives are supporting investment, economic convergence and closer links with the Single Market.

Progress includes participation in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), improvements at border crossings, stronger transport connections, digital initiatives and reduced roaming charges.

Costa said these measures were delivering tangible results and helping candidate countries strengthen their economic ties with the European Union.

Montenegro Targets EU Membership by 2028

Highlighting recent developments in the accession process, Costa referred to the European Union’s October accession conferences with Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and Moldova.

Montenegro and Albania provisionally closed additional negotiating chapters, while Ukraine and Moldova opened negotiations on new clusters.

He said Montenegro was expected to provisionally close another negotiating chapter during the week, bringing the country closer to completing negotiations across all chapters.

Expressing confidence in Montenegro’s progress, Costa said the European Union was ready to support the country in completing the remaining work.

He described Montenegro’s ambition as becoming the EU’s “28th by 28”, expressing hope that the country could join the bloc by 2028.

Ukraine and Moldova Advance on European Path

Costa also highlighted closer cooperation between the European Union, Ukraine and Moldova, including visa liberalisation, reduced roaming costs, energy assistance and infrastructure investment.

He said these initiatives had strengthened the resilience of both countries and brought their citizens and economies closer to the European Union.

Referring to Ukraine’s circumstances amid Russia’s war of aggression, which he said had continued for almost five years, Costa described its progress towards European integration as particularly remarkable.

Regarding Moldova, he said the country’s reform efforts and commitment to aligning its legislation with the EU acquis could enable it to advance rapidly towards membership once all accession clusters had been opened.

He stressed that reforms should not merely fulfil European requirements but should help establish accountable institutions, tackle corruption, protect media freedom and ensure equal treatment and dignity for citizens.

Democracy and Rule of Law Remain Essential

Addressing developments in Serbia, Costa said the country’s recent election reflected citizens’ aspirations for a stronger, fairer and more accountable society.

He reaffirmed the EU’s readiness to work constructively with Serbia’s new government, particularly on strengthening the rule of law, protecting media freedom and combating corruption.

However, he stressed that progress towards membership must be accompanied by genuine commitment to European standards.

Costa also reiterated his belief that the future of all Western Balkan countries lies within the European Union. He encouraged North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo to accelerate reforms and make further progress towards EU membership.

He said these issues would be discussed with Western Balkan leaders at the fourth EU-Western Balkans Summit, scheduled to take place in three weeks.

Concluding his message, Costa said EU membership represented much more than joining an economic bloc, as it required countries to share and uphold the fundamental values on which the European Union was founded.

“One cannot walk towards the European Union while moving away from democracy,” he said.

He expressed optimism that renewed momentum behind enlargement could pave the way for new members to join the European Union in the coming years, welcoming them as equal members of the European family.