EU leaders gather in Montenegro to accelerate Western Balkans enlargement, citing geopolitical imperatives amid Russian and Chinese influence, with Montenegro leading candidate nations.
EU leaders gather in Tivat to reaffirm commitment to western Balkan enlargement, focusing on integration into the single market, despite internal EU divisions and geopolitical pressures from Russia and China.
France and Germany are calling for a new "structured gradual integration" process for EU candidate countries, offering earlier benefits and closer ties before full membership. This initiative aims to reinvigorate the enlargement process ahead of upcoming EU summits.
European Council President Antonio Costa urged speeding up the EU membership process for six Western Balkan countries, calling enlargement a key geopolitical investment. Leaders will discuss improving methodology at an upcoming summit, aiming to boost trust and avoid frustration, though Costa stressed it won't be easier.
French President Emmanuel Macron will make a historic visit to Montenegro on Thursday, ahead of an EU-Western Balkans summit. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties, sign infrastructure and energy agreements, and discuss defense cooperation and combating disinformation.
Russia urges the West to cease interference in Bosnia and Herzegovina, demanding the immediate closure of the High Representative's office to achieve true sovereignty for the country, adhering to the Dayton Agreement.
