German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged the European Union to demonstrate that it is both willing and capable of accepting new members as EU and Western Balkan leaders gathered in Tivat, Montenegro, on Friday. The summit brought together leaders from the 27-member bloc and six Western Balkan countries seeking accession to the EU. According to Reuters, the meeting focused on advancing enlargement efforts amid growing geopolitical pressures across Europe.
Merz said the European Union must send a clear signal to candidate countries that their future lies within the bloc. Speaking to reporters before the summit, he argued that enlargement had become a strategic necessity as Europe faces security challenges linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine and increasing competition from external powers in the region.
“The European Union has to show that it is capable of enlarging and willing to enlarge and we want to discuss that here,” Merz told reporters. He added that “it must be clear that this part of Europe belongs within the European Union’s future.”
The six Western Balkan countries seeking membership are Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Kosovo. Reuters reported that each country is at a different stage of the accession process, which requires extensive legal reforms and unanimous approval from all existing EU member states.
Merz also criticized the pace of enlargement, noting that the EU has not admitted a new member for 13 years. “The fact that we have not admitted any new members for 13 years now shows that there have also been shortcomings on the part of the European Union,” he said.
The summit came one day after Germany and France presented a joint proposal designed to accelerate integration for EU candidate countries. According to Reuters, the plan would allow aspiring members to participate in more EU programs and gain earlier access to parts of the bloc’s single market before achieving full membership.
The Franco-German proposal would introduce a gradual, merit-based approach to accession. Candidate countries that meet specific reform benchmarks could gain access to areas such as student exchange programs, research initiatives, energy cooperation and parts of the European single market. Reuters reported that the proposal is intended to provide tangible benefits during what is often a lengthy accession process.
French President Emmanuel Macron joined Merz at the summit and supported efforts to modernize the enlargement framework. According to reports from the meeting, France and Germany believe that earlier integration into EU structures could encourage reforms while maintaining accession standards.
European Council President António Costa also emphasized the strategic importance of enlargement during visits across the Western Balkans this week. According to the Associated Press, Costa said EU expansion was becoming increasingly important amid geopolitical uncertainty and economic instability affecting Europe.
Montenegro received particular attention at the summit because it is widely considered the most advanced candidate for membership. Reuters reported that the country, which has a population of roughly 630,000, is aiming to join the EU by 2028. However, officials acknowledge that reforms related to judicial independence, governance and corruption remain necessary before accession can be completed.
According to the Associated Press, the EU has already established a working group to prepare an accession treaty for Montenegro, reflecting growing confidence in the country’s progress. Albania is also regarded as one of the more advanced candidates among the Western Balkan states.
Regional and Global Impact
EU officials view enlargement as an important tool for strengthening political and economic stability in the Western Balkans. According to Reuters and the Associated Press, European leaders believe closer integration can reduce the influence of competing powers in the region while supporting reforms and economic development.
The discussions also carry implications for Ukraine and Moldova, both of which are pursuing closer ties with the European Union. Reuters reported that Merz recently proposed an “associate member” status for Ukraine that would allow participation in some EU meetings without voting rights as an interim step toward full membership.
Background
The European Union’s enlargement process requires candidate countries to align national laws with EU standards across dozens of policy areas. Each stage of negotiations requires approval from all 27 member states.
Interest in enlargement has increased since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. EU officials have argued that expanding the bloc can strengthen security and political stability across Europe while reinforcing democratic reforms in neighboring countries.
The six Western Balkan candidates have pursued EU membership for years, although progress has varied significantly among them. Montenegro and Albania are generally viewed as the frontrunners in the accession process.
What Happens Next
EU leaders are expected to continue discussions on enlargement and the Franco-German proposal in the coming months. According to Reuters, the plan to provide earlier access to EU programs and markets will be reviewed as part of broader efforts to modernize the accession process.
Candidate countries will continue implementing reforms required under EU membership criteria. Montenegro aims to maintain momentum toward its 2028 accession target, while other Western Balkan states are expected to pursue negotiations at varying speeds depending on their progress.
