Albania and Montenegro lead EU expansion efforts

European Council President António Costa has highlighted Albania and Montenegro as frontrunners in the EU accession process, emphasizing the importance of enlargement for regional stability and prosperity.

European Council President António Costa reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to expansion in the Western Balkans. As he begins a diplomatic tour of the region, Costa underscored the strategic importance of the enlargement process, particularly for countries like Albania and Montenegro, which are considered to be further along in meeting EU requirements.

Costa noted that Russia’s war in Ukraine has accelerated accession talks for Ukraine and Moldova, prompting the EU to refocus on the Western Balkans to maintain geopolitical balance. The council president emphasized that enlargement is rooted in merit and reform, with no fixed timetable, though 2030 has been mentioned as a potential target date.

During his visit, Costa will engage with leaders from Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, Northern Macedonia, and Albania. The tour aims to address regional tensions and encourage alignment with EU policies, particularly concerning Serbia’s foreign policy and governance reforms.

The summit in Tirana, part of Costa’s final stop, will bring EU and Western Balkan leaders together to discuss security and integration, reinforcing the shared vision of a united and prosperous Europe.

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