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A few months ago the European Union grew again. Croatia became the 28th member state. This new enlargement showed once again that the EU project does not stop, nor slow down. It also underlined the credibility of the enlargement policy under which countries are admitted after they deliver on the necessary criteria. The agenda of the Lithuanian presidency in this semester is good proof of the determination to keep this policy going.

Despite different dynamics in the enlargement countries, we could register very positive developments. The historic agreement between Serbia and Kosovo is of crucial importance since it contributes to the overall stability of the region and ensures that both Serbia and Kosovo can proceed on their respective European paths. It is also probably the most striking recent example of the transformative power of the EU accession process and a clear signal that even the most difficult decisions can be made if there is strong motivation and political will. After a groundbreaking agreement on the normalization of relations, both parties now meet regularly under the aegis of the EU to solve outstanding practical issues to the benefit of citizens on both sides. And the EU started the screening process of the first two very important chapters with Serbia in September and is getting ready to launch negotiations on a Stabilization and Association Agreement with Kosovo on Oct. 28. However, a recent attack on the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) staff, whose perpetrators we expect to be swiftly brought to justice, also shows how much EU engagement is needed.

The negotiation process with Montenegro gained new momentum and two important negotiating chapters in the accession process may be opened in the coming months.

We are also making efforts to get the accession negotiations with Turkey back on track and the forthcoming opening of a new negotiating chapter (on Nov. 5) is a result of these efforts, with our hope that more chapters will follow.

Albania ensured much-improved democratic conduct during the recent elections and a peaceful transition of power, advancing its chances of getting candidate status.

To sustain momentum for reforms, we have continued high-level dialogues with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Of course, EU accession does not take place in a vacuum. In the current economic climate, citizens of both member states and aspirant countries are increasingly concerned about the impact of the ongoing enlargement. And the management of the enlargement process itself reflects these concerns. The negotiation process is based on strict conditionality, where each step forward is dependent on tangible progress achieved on the ground. It is not about ticking boxes in checklists but about creating a solid track record in areas such as fundamental rights and freedoms, the rule of law, good governance and democracy. Strengthening of the rule of law, improving the ability to tackle organized crime and corruption, progress in the application of human rights and democratic standards, and freedoms bring direct benefits to citizens across Europe.

Enlargement is a success story of the EU, reflected also by the recent Nobel Peace Prize. However, if we want to be both serious and realistic, we should not be tempted to paint an unrealistically rosy picture. The examples mentioned earlier demonstrate that progress is possible when there is a political will to focus on reforms and when the EU agenda is considered a national priority. We are well aware of the fact that not everywhere in the region, and not in all areas, do reforms move ahead at the desired speed. Much more needs to be done, but this should not discourage the EU enlargement process, which has huge transformative leverage. The threat here is not enlargement as such, but rather reform fatigue.

The opportunities to move decisively forward on the path to European integration are clearly visible and equally open to all aspiring countries. It is up to these countries to make these opportunities a reality to the benefit of their citizens, as Croatia did. We remain fully committed to supporting them along the way, knowing that this is as much about our joint success as it is about the credibility of enlargement as one of the key policies of the EU.