04 - 10 November 2026 | Weekly Regional Briefing

The European Commission’s 2026 Enlargement Package, published on 4 November, places judicial independence, institutional accountability and the implementation of rule-of-law reforms firmly in the spotlight across the Western Balkans.

The latest country reports reveal contrasting developments: persistent concerns over political influence and delayed reforms in several jurisdictions, alongside important legislative progress in Montenegro and North Macedonia. Regional justice ministers also met in Budva to discuss cross-border cooperation against corruption and digital crime.

SERBIA: European Commission Finds No Progress in Judicial Independence

The European Commission’s 2026 Serbia Report found no progress in the functioning of the judiciary during the reporting period. It highlighted a significant increase in undue political pressure on judges and prosecutors, with little institutional response, as well as continuing concerns over prosecutorial autonomy.

The Commission also called for outstanding judicial vacancies to be filled, including positions at the Constitutional Court, and for the remaining Venice Commission recommendations on judicial legislation to be implemented.

Source: European Commission - Serbia Report 2026

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: Key Judicial Reforms Remain Pending

The European Commission reported no progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s judicial reform during the reporting period. The new Law on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council and the Law on the Courts of Bosnia and Herzegovina remain to be adopted.

The report also raised concerns over the verification of judicial asset declarations and called for the appointment of judges to vacant positions at the Constitutional Court, alongside stronger integrity safeguards and external monitoring.

Source: European Commission - Bosnia and Herzegovina Report 2026

KOSOVO: Proposed Amendments to Specialist Chambers Law Raise Rule-of-Law Concerns

The European Commission’s 2026 Kosovo Report raised serious concerns over amendments to the Law on the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor’s Office. Adopted by the Assembly on 6 October, the amendments were returned for reconsideration by the President on 22 October.

The Commission warned that the proposals could affect judicial independence, the protection of victims and witnesses, procedural rights and accountability for war crimes. It also raised concerns about their constitutionality and compliance with Kosovo’s international commitments.

Source: European Commission - Kosovo Report 2026

MONTENEGRO: Constitutional Amendments Strengthen Judicial Independence Safeguards

Montenegro has taken further steps to strengthen its judicial framework. Constitutional amendments adopted in July 2026 reinforced safeguards concerning the composition and appointment procedures of the Judicial and Prosecutorial Councils.

Further amendments to the laws governing the Judicial Council and the State Prosecution Service addressed recommendations from the European Commission, the Venice Commission and GRECO. The Commission recognised good progress in the functioning of the judiciary, while stressing that effective implementation and further institutional improvements remain necessary.

Source: European Commission - Montenegro Report 2026

NORTH MACEDONIA: New Legislation Advances Judicial Reform

The European Commission recognised some progress in North Macedonia’s judicial reform, including the adoption of new legislation governing the Judicial Council and the Council of Public Prosecutors, as well as laws on judicial and prosecutorial salaries and civil procedure. The Commission nevertheless stressed that persistent interference by other branches of the state and severe shortages of financial and human resources continue to undermine the judiciary’s independence and financial autonomy.

Source: European Commission - North Macedonia Report 2026

REGIONAL COOPERATION: EU and Western Balkans Strengthen Justice and Security Dialogue

Justice and home affairs ministers from the EU and the Western Balkans met in Budva on 5-6 November for their annual ministerial forum.

Discussions addressed cross-border cooperation against corruption and organised crime, cyberattacks, online fraud and the sexual exploitation of children. The justice session also focused on strengthening investigations and prosecutions in high-level corruption cases, asset recovery, whistleblower protection and the rights of the child.

Source: Council of the European Union EU-Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs, 5-6 November 2026

EDITOR’S NOTE

The European Commission’s latest assessments underline a fundamental distinction across the Western Balkans: progress in adopting legislation does not automatically translate into stronger judicial institutions.

While Montenegro and North Macedonia have advanced important legal reforms, the reports on Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo point to continuing challenges involving judicial independence, political influence and institutional accountability.

The real test for the region will be whether legislative commitments lead to independent institutions, consistent implementation and public confidence in the rule of law.