EU Enlargement in Focus: Montenegro’s Path "Within Reach"

Summit Overview

EU leaders met with their Western Balkan counterparts in Tivat, Montenegro, to discuss the future of EU enlargement. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Montenegro's EU accession is "within reach." Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic expressed confidence that the country will join the EU by 2028.

"EU expansion into the Western Balkans is a geostrategic imperative."

Key Statements

Von der Leyen emphasized that membership is "merits-based, but merits-based does not mean slow, it means fair and predictable." European Council President Antonio Costa added that the EU is "considering new ideas to streamline and accelerate the process."

Background

Montenegro, which joined NATO in 2017, is considered the front-runner among Balkan candidate countries. Candidate countries must align their laws with EU standards in 35 policy areas. The EU is developing mechanisms to ensure candidate countries adhere to democratic standards after accession, partly in response to past experiences with Hungary.

Other Aspirants

Ukraine, Moldova, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia are also pursuing EU membership. Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic expressed optimism about progress.

"Merits-based does not mean slow, it means fair and predictable." — Ursula von der Leyen