In a recent summit held in Montenegro, European Union leaders have emphasized the urgency of accelerating the enlargement process of the bloc, urging it to demonstrate both readiness and capability to welcome new members. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, addressing leaders from six aspiring Western Balkan nations, underscored the necessity for the EU to prove its commitment to expansion, pointing out that no new member has been admitted in over ten years. This has underscored an urgent need for reforms in the accession procedures.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen supported this call for a more efficient and credible membership negotiation process. The gathering included representatives from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, all of whom are on the path to EU membership. Among them, Montenegro is seen as the most progressed candidate, with ambitions to join the EU by 2028.
French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the strategic significance of enlargement for Europe’s security, energy autonomy, and migration management. He endorsed a “gradual integration” strategy, allowing candidate countries to engage in certain EU institutions and initiatives before achieving full membership. This strategic approach has gained prominence particularly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as the EU views enlargement as a means to enhance stability and mitigate external influences in the region.
The momentum for expansion has been further fueled by the aspirations of Ukraine and Moldova, alongside the Western Balkan nations, to join the EU. Despite the growing political backing for enlargement, the accession process remains complex and lengthy, involving substantial reforms by candidate countries and necessitating unanimous agreement from all 27 EU member states at each stage.