The European Union is publishing its annual review of candidate countries’ progress toward membership today.

It’s part of a long and demanding process that measures how well aspiring members meet the EU’s democratic and economic criteria.

From the western Balkans to Ukraine, the road to joining the Union has become more complex and exacting than ever.

To help with understanding what’s at stake, Seán by Professor of European Politics at Maynooth University, John O’Brennan…