Albania, Moldova, and Montenegro are considered the frontrunners for the next wave of EU enlargement.
The European Economic and Social Committee President believes aspiring future EU members have a lot of work to do before they're ready to join the union.
Offaly's Seamus Boland has been hosting the European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos at his Ballycumber farm this week.
They discussed the importance of the CAP fund for Irish farmers as well as the European enlargement agenda.
Albania, Moldova, and Montenegro are considered the next most likely new members of the EU but will join as net beneficiaries, which will ultimately cost current members states when it comes to future budgets.
The EESC President says each nation is moving closer to joining but they're not there yet:
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