On December 13, in a resolution on enlargement policy, the European Parliament called it one of the strongest geopolitical tools at the EU’s disposal and a strategic investment in peace and security.

MEPs urged the European Council to decide at its meeting on 14-15 December to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. Provided certain reform steps are taken, they say that accession talks should also be opened with Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Georgia should be granted candidate status.

"MEPs welcome the interest and political will from so many countries to join the EU and acknowledge the serious efforts being made to meet the requirements for membership. They welcome the willingness of the Government of Armenia to come closer to the European Union," it was noted.

"The EU should establish clear deadlines for the candidate countries to conclude EU accession negotiations by the end of this decade, MEPs stress. They say there should be no fast-track for membership, however. MEPs insist that the Copenhagen criteria must be fulfilled to ensure that candidate and potential candidate countries demonstrate a consistent and enduring commitment to democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities, and economic reforms," the report noted.

The resolution emphasized the need for internal EU reforms in parallel with the enlargement process to enhance the European Union's capacity to integrate new members effectively, including through the introduction of qualified majority voting that would also apply to foreign and security policy decisions and in areas relevant to the accession process.

The resolution was adopted by 468 votes in favor, 99 against, and 58 abstentions.