Germany’s Merz says EU to initiate integration of Western Balkans
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced that the European Union plans to begin a gradual integration process for six Western Balkan countries seeking membership, signaling renewed momentum for the bloc’s expansion.
Speaking after the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, Montenegro, Merz said the EU wants the region to become part of the union as soon as possible. The six candidate countries are Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia.
The initiative comes as the EU looks to strengthen its influence in the region following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Alongside the Western Balkan candidates, Ukraine and Moldova are also pursuing EU membership.
Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron backed a “gradual integration” model that would allow candidate countries to participate in certain EU institutions and activities before becoming full members. EU leaders believe the approach could make the enlargement process faster and more credible.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc must accelerate accession efforts, while Merz acknowledged that the EU itself shares responsibility for delays, noting that no new country has joined the union in the past 13 years.
Among the candidates, Montenegro and Albania are considered the frontrunners. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said Montenegro could complete technical negotiations by the end of 2026, potentially paving the way for membership by 2028, although challenges related to corruption and judicial reforms remain.