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The European Union are scheduled to reveal progress ratings for candidate countries this afternoon, gauging the advancements these countries have made in their efforts to join the union.

Major Presentations by EU Officials

There will be presentations from the union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, along with the expansion official, Marta Kos, during the early afternoon.

Several crucial topics will come under scrutiny, featuring the EU's assessment of the deteriorating situation in Georgia, modernization attempts in Ukraine despite continuing Russian hostilities, and examinations of Balkan region countries, such as Serbia, where public discontent persists challenging Vučić's administration.

EU assessment procedures forms a vital component in the path to joining for candidate countries.

Further Brussels Meetings

Separately from these announcements, attention will focus on Brussels' security commissioner Andrius Kubilius's engagement with the NATO chief Mark Rutte in the Belgian capital regarding military modernization.

Further developments are expected from Dutch authorities, Prague's government, Germany, plus additional EU countries.

Civil Society Assessment

In relation to the rating system, the rights monitoring organization Liberties has published its analysis regarding the European Commission's additional yearly judicial integrity assessment.

In a strongly critical summary, the review determined that Brussels' evaluation in key sectors showed reduced thoroughness relative to past reports, with major concerns overlooked without repercussions for non-compliance with recommendations.

The analysis specified that Hungary stands out as especially problematic, maintaining the highest number of suggested improvements with persistent 'no progress' status, highlighting deep-rooted governance issues and pushback against Brussels monitoring.

Further states exhibiting notable stagnation include Italy, Bulgaria, Ireland, along with Germany, every one showing several proposed measures that remain unaddressed over the past three years.

Overall implementation rates showed decline, with the percentage of recommendations fully implemented decreasing from 11% previously to 6% in both 2024 and 2025.

The association alerted that absent immediate measures, they fear the backsliding will worsen and transformations will grow increasingly difficult to reverse.

The detailed evaluation underscores persistent problems in the enlargement process and rule of law implementation across European territories.