At a recent summit held in Montenegro, European Union leaders have underscored the necessity for a more efficient and reliable process for EU enlargement, emphasizing the bloc’s readiness and ability to welcome new members. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted the urgency of reforming the accession process by pointing out that the EU has not admitted any new countries in over ten years. His remarks were made in the presence of leaders from six Western Balkan nations—Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia—all aspiring to join the EU.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen supported these sentiments, emphasizing the need for membership negotiations to be more effective and credible for those seeking to join. Montenegro, considered the most advanced in its EU membership bid, has set its sights on joining by 2028, illustrating a shared regional ambition to be part of the European Union’s future.
French President Emmanuel Macron further reinforced the strategic importance of expansion, linking it to Europe’s security, energy autonomy, and migration control. Macron also advocated for “gradual integration,” a concept allowing candidate countries to engage with specific EU institutions and initiatives before attaining full membership status. This approach aims to facilitate a smoother transition for aspirant countries as they align with EU standards and practices.
The urgency for enlargement has intensified in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, adding a new dimension to the EU’s expansion strategy. Alongside the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova are also on the path to EU membership, with Brussels viewing this enlargement as a crucial step toward bolstering regional stability and curbing external influences.
Despite the growing political momentum for EU expansion, the accession process remains complex and time-consuming. It demands significant reforms by candidate nations and requires unanimous consent from all 27 EU member states at every stage of the process. This intricate procedure underscores the challenges ahead as the EU seeks to grow and integrate new members into its fold.