Both the European Union and future member states must be prepared for enlargement. This is the message reaffirmed by EU leaders in the conclusions of the European Council meeting held yesterday, October 15, 2026, TRIBUNA reports.

According to EU officials, countries aspiring to join the bloc must continue their reform efforts, particularly in the area of the rule of law, in line with the principle of merit-based accession and with the support of the European Union.

At the same time, the European Union must move forward with its internal preparations and reforms, establish its long-term objectives and the means of achieving them, and address key issues related to its priorities and policies, as well as its capacity to act.

The European Council reiterates that the accession process is merit-based and that each candidate country advances in its accession negotiations according to its own progress.