EU Leaders to Reassure Western Balkans of Membership Prospects Amid Enlargement Splits

European leaders will seek to reassure six western Balkan countries of their EU membership prospects at a summit in Tivat, Montenegro, despite internal EU divisions over enlargement. The meeting, attended by over 30 leaders including Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz, Giorgia Meloni, and Ursula von der Leyen, focuses on integrating these countries into the EU single market.

António Costa, European Council President, emphasized the EU’s “real commitment” to enlargement, citing geostrategic interests amid Russian and Chinese influence in the region. Recent developments include Hungary lifting its veto on Ukraine’s EU talks, enabling Ukraine and Moldova to start negotiations on EU rulebook chapters later this month.

Montenegro, aiming to join by 2028, is the most advanced, with the EU considering safeguards for new members to prevent future vetoes. Albania’s progress is viewed positively but with concerns over organised crime. Other countries like Serbia face challenges due to political disputes and alignment with EU values.

The summit also addresses the EU’s “roam like at home” policy extension to the Western Balkans, symbolizing gradual integration. However, EU leaders are divided on Ukraine’s membership path, with a proposed associate membership plan facing criticism as potentially delaying full membership.

Experts note the war in Ukraine has reframed EU enlargement, prioritizing geopolitical urgency. Despite challenges, the EU aims to demonstrate tangible benefits to the Western Balkan region, focusing on single market integration and policy alignment.