EU summit with western Balkan leaders to reaffirm membership prospects European leaders are converging in Tivat, Montenegro, to reaffirm the EU membership prospects for six western Balkan countries, focusing on deeper integration into the EU single market. While the EU views enlargement as a geostrategic interest for peace and stability, divisions persist on how to manage the process, particularly concerning Ukraine’s candidacy and potential safeguards for new joiners from the Balkans. Discussions also include practical measures like abolishing mobile roaming charges, signaling a gradual integration strategy.

• 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.