EU draws up membership roadmaps for Montenegro, Ukraine, Moldova and Albania

The European Commission is drafting targeted "roadmaps" for Montenegro, Ukraine, Moldova and Albania — the four countries closest to EU membership — for the first time offering indicative dates for completing key negotiating clusters, according to two senior Commission officials. The plans would set out the reforms each candidate must complete and create obligations for current member states, which must approve any accession. Brussels has long backed the four countries' bids, but progress has been slow and timelines unclear; the roadmarks would give them assurances that completing essential reforms leads to admission.