Nicușor Dan Joins Macron, Von der Leyen at Montenegro Summit on EU Expansion to Western Balkans

Romanian President Nicușor Dan joined a high-level summit in Tivat, Montenegro, alongside prominent European leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron, German CDU leader Friedrich Merz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The meeting, held on June 5, brought together over 30 European leaders and representatives from candidate states in the Western Balkans.

The primary objective of the summit was to reaffirm political support for the European Union's expansion into the Western Balkans. This initiative is particularly significant in a geopolitical climate where the influence of Russia and China in the region is a sensitive issue for Brussels. The event was co-chaired by European Council President António Costa and hosted by Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović.

Discussions centered on accelerating the EU accession process for Western Balkan countries and their gradual integration into the European single market. Leaders aimed to identify ways to expedite membership without compromising on the rule of law, democratic institutions, and alignment with the EU's foreign and security policy. The summit sought to send a clear political signal that these nations are not "on hold" but are part of a tangible European integration perspective.

The EU views the expansion as a strategic project, especially in light of the war in Ukraine and global geopolitical competition. The Western Balkans are considered crucial for the stability of the entire European continent. Officials emphasized that expansion is an investment in Europe's security, stability, and prosperity, with accelerated integration seen as a way to bolster the region's political and economic resilience. Romania, through President Dan, reiterated its strong support for this expansion, viewing it as a strategic investment.