The Guardian: EU to release progress ratings for membership candidates

The European Union is set to unveil its assessments of candidate countries later today, on November 4, outlining the progress each has made toward future EU membership.

The ratings will be presented early this afternoon by the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, and the enlargement commissioner, Marta Kos, according to The Guardian.

The forthcoming report is expected to provide detailed evaluations of several aspiring member states.

Key points will include the European Commission’s assessment of the deteriorating political situation in Georgia, Ukraine’s reform efforts amid ongoing Russian aggression, and developments across the western Balkans — including Serbia, where protests continue against President Aleksandar Vučić’s government.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on November 4 that Ukraine has “every reason” to hope for a “positive outcome” in the EU’s review of Kyiv’s membership progress.

Meanwhile, Politico reported, citing EU diplomats and officials, that Ukraine is expected to receive a score of “four” for its accession efforts. Montenegro’s progress is rated as a “five,” Albania’s as a “five minus,” and Moldova’s as a “four plus.” Georgia, however, is not expected to pass the evaluation, according to the same report.

By Sabina Mammadli