The European Union (EU) has offered Serbia a fresh opportunity to advance its membership bid if its new government strengthens democracy, while signalling that several countries could join the bloc in the coming years.

In its annual enlargement report on Wednesday, the European Commission said Montenegro was on track to become the EU's 28th member in 2028, while Albania and Moldova could join in 2029. Ukraine is unlikely to meet the membership conditions before 2030.

"The significant progress achieved by some candidates over the last year allows us to turn the promise of enlargement into reality," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

Serbia's election-winning student-led opposition movement, which defeated populist President Aleksandar Vucic last month, could help revive the country's stalled membership process.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said Serbia had a chance for a fresh start, urging its new government to strengthen democratic institutions and fundamental rights.

The commission also warned in April that Serbia could lose access to around 1.5 billion euros ($1.7 billion) in EU funds if it failed to reverse democratic backsliding.

The commission has introduced a new roadmap for countries seeking EU membership. Moldova could complete accession talks in early 2028, while Ukraine has been urged to accelerate reforms to meet its target of concluding negotiations by the end of that year.

Bosnia-Herzegovina and North Macedonia face obstacles to joining, while Kosovo has not yet received candidate status. Membership talks with Georgia and Turkey remain stalled over democratic backsliding.