EU leaders are advocating for a more expedited and credible process of enlargement, urging the bloc to demonstrate its readiness and ability to welcome new members. At a summit in Montenegro with heads of six Western Balkan countries, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the EU’s need to showcase its expansion capabilities and dedication to integrating the region into its future. He pointed out that it has been over a decade since a new country joined the bloc, underscoring the necessity for reforms in the accession process.
Echoing this sentiment, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the crucial need for membership negotiations to be more effective and reliable for candidate nations. The summit, attended by leaders and representatives from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia—all aspiring to join the EU—saw Montenegro as the most advanced candidate, aiming for membership by 2028.
French President Emmanuel Macron underscored the strategic importance of enlargement for Europe’s security, energy independence, and migration management. He supported the idea of “gradual integration,” a concept allowing candidate countries to participate in specific EU institutions and initiatives prior to attaining full membership. This approach reflects a growing momentum for expansion in response to geopolitical shifts, particularly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In addition to the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova are also on the path toward EU membership, with Brussels viewing this enlargement as a strategy to bolster stability and diminish external influences in the region. Despite the increasing political backing, the EU accession process remains a lengthy journey that demands significant reforms by the candidate countries and unanimous approval from all 27 member states at every stage.