Are There Any Countries That Would Be Unable to Join the European Union?

Australia might find it difficult to join, but there are other countries with similar challenges. The UK has recently decided to prioritize national sovereignty, and some other nations may follow suit.

Close Alliance: EFTA and the EU

Four remaining European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland – might not join the EU. This is primarily because EFTA and the EU are heavily aligned, and a membership shift between the two would have little impact.

Countries Expressing Desire to Join the EU

Several non-EU member states have shown a desire to become part of the European Union. While progress is ongoing, the following countries have made notable strides in their accession processes:

Albania: Officially a candidate since 2014, Albania is facing challenges related to corruption, rule of law, and governance reforms. North Macedonia: Received EU candidate status in 2005, but years of delay due to disputes with Greece were resolved through the Prespa Agreement in 2018. Serbia: Applied for EU membership in 2009 and received candidate status in 2012. Normalization of relations with Kosovo and democratic reforms are key issues. Montenegro: Official EU candidate since 2010, it has made progress but still faces challenges like corruption and organized crime. Bosnia and Herzegovina: Signed a Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU in 2008, but faces complex political challenges due to a difficult governance structure and ethnic divisions. Kosovo: Declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but some EU member states do not recognize its sovereignty. It has taken steps toward EU integration despite this.

Challenges to EU Membership

The reasons why these countries cannot join the EU immediately vary, but common obstacles include:

Reforms: The EU requires substantial political, economic, and legal reforms to align with EU standards and values. Meeting these criteria can take time and significant effort. Political Challenges: Political stability, ethnic tensions, and regional disputes can impede progress towards EU membership. Corruption and Rule of Law: Addressing corruption, ensuring an independent judiciary, and upholding the rule of law are critical for EU accession. Economic Conditions: Meeting economic criteria, including a functioning market economy and the ability to adopt EU legislation, is essential. Geopolitical Factors: Some countries face geopolitical challenges such as disputes with neighboring states or unresolved conflicts.

The EU accession process can be lengthy and complex, and membership negotiations may take several years to complete. It is important to check the latest developments and progress for each country to stay informed.