EU summit with western Balkan leaders to reaffirm membership prospects
Macron, Merz and von der Leyen among those due to gather in Montenegro for talks on integration of six countries
TL;DR
- EU leaders will gather in Tivat, Montenegro, to discuss the EU membership prospects of six western Balkan countries.
- The focus will be on deeper integration into the EU single market and demonstrating a real chance for accession.
- EU enlargement is seen as a geostrategic interest for Europe's peace, stability, and security.
- The summit follows Hungary's removal of its veto on Ukraine's EU talks, enabling negotiations on rule of law and democratic standards.
- Montenegro is the most advanced in its membership quest, with discussions on potential safeguards for new members to prevent repeated veto issues.
- Albania is considered the next likely candidate, though some EU governments have reservations about its progress in tackling organized crime.
- North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina face challenges due to internal and external political disputes.
- Serbia is perceived as drifting away from the EU under President Aleksandar Vučić.
- The war in Ukraine has reframed European enlargement as a strategic priority, with Ukraine's rapid candidacy showing geopolitical urgency.
- EU leaders are divided on Ukraine's accession path, with proposals for associate membership met with skepticism.
- Practical steps like dropping mobile roaming charges and integrating into the single euro payments area are being pursued for the western Balkans.
- The EU aims to make a tangible difference to people's lives in the region through gradual integration.