Kosovo left out as Ireland takes EU presidency

Kosovo is not expected to move forward in its European Union membership bid when Ireland begins chairing EU meetings on 1 July.

Ireland will hold the rotating EU Council presidency for six months, giving it a leading role in the bloc’s agenda.

EU enlargement is expected to be one of Ireland’s main priorities.

Montenegro could finish membership talks during that period, putting it on course to become the EU’s 28th member by 2028.

Albania is also expected to close its first negotiation chapters after meeting rule-of-law conditions.

But Kosovo’s application remains blocked because five EU countries still do not recognise its independence.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Georgia are also expected to remain stalled.