At a recent summit held in Montenegro with representatives from six Western Balkan nations, European Union leaders emphasized the necessity for a more efficient and credible process of expanding the bloc. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz underscored the EU’s responsibility to demonstrate its readiness and ability to welcome new members, pointing out that no country has joined the bloc in over ten years. He stressed the importance of reforming the accession procedure to facilitate the integration of the region into the EU’s future.
In support of these sentiments, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the need to make membership negotiations more effective and reliable for the aspiring member countries. The summit featured discussions with leaders from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, all of whom are on the path to EU membership. Among these, Montenegro is seen as the frontrunner, aiming to join the EU by the year 2028.
French President Emmanuel Macron also weighed in on the discussion, emphasizing the strategic importance of expansion for Europe’s security, energy independence, and management of migration. He advocated for a “gradual integration” approach, where candidate countries could engage with selected EU institutions and initiatives even before achieving full membership status.
The urgency for enlargement has been heightened by the geopolitical tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This has not only intensified the focus on the Western Balkan countries but also on Ukraine and Moldova, both of which are actively pursuing EU membership. The EU views this expansion as a vital strategy to bolster regional stability and diminish external influences.
Despite the growing political will to expand, the path to EU accession remains complex and protracted. It involves significant reforms by the candidate nations and requires unanimous approval from all 27 member states at every step of the process. The momentum for enlargement reflects a strategic move to strengthen the EU’s cohesion and influence in the face of external challenges.