At a recent summit in Montenegro, European Union leaders have underscored the need for a more effective and credible enlargement process, urging the bloc to prove its readiness and capability to welcome new member states. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking to leaders from six Western Balkan nations, emphasized the EU’s responsibility to expand and integrate this region into its future framework. Highlighting the stagnation in the accession process, Merz pointed out that no new countries have joined the EU in over a decade, which signals the pressing need for reform.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, echoed these sentiments, calling for membership negotiations to be more efficient and trustworthy for nations aspiring to join. The summit gathered leaders from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia—all of whom are on their path to EU membership. Among these, Montenegro is considered the most advanced candidate, aiming to become a full member by 2028.
French President Emmanuel Macron added that the EU’s enlargement holds strategic importance for Europe’s security, energy autonomy, and migration management. He advocated for a “gradual integration” approach, allowing candidate countries to engage in select EU institutions and initiatives before attaining full membership status. This perspective is gaining traction, especially in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has intensified the EU’s focus on expansion.
The momentum for enlargement is further fueled by Ukraine and Moldova’s own ambitions to join the EU, as Brussels views this as a means to bolster regional stability and diminish external influence. Despite the growing political backing, the path to EU accession remains intricate and protracted, necessitating comprehensive reforms in candidate countries and the unanimous consent of all 27 member states at every procedural stage.