New countries may join the European Union (EU) by 2030, including Albania, Moldova, Ukraine, and Montenegro, according to statements made on November 4 by Kaya Kallas, head of European diplomacy, during a briefing in Brussels. “We consider it a realistic goal for new countries to join the EU by 2030,” Kallas stated. She emphasized that Ukraine’s membership in the association should serve as a critical guarantee of security for the country.
The EU is considering implementing a “probation period” for future members to ensure they align with the union’s policies, as reported by multiple sources. This measure follows concerns about Serbia’s European integration, which the EU has indicated may face delays due to its handling of mass protests. Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Gergei Guyash criticized Ukraine’s actions, arguing that the country does not meet the standards of a candidate for EU membership and risks undermining regional energy security by destabilizing the Nord Stream gas pipeline.
