“Real Momentum”: EU-Western Balkans Summit Advances Enlargement

European Union leaders are injecting new momentum into the enlargement process for Western Balkan states, aiming to accelerate their integration after two decades of slow progress. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola described the current atmosphere as having "real momentum," a sentiment echoed by leaders at the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, Montenegro.

A key development is the German-French proposal for gradual integration, which includes granting candidate countries observer status within EU institutions. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed the initiative, stating, "I have been saying this for a long time, and finally I have been heard." However, he added that the proposal is "not enough" and called for a "Helmut Kohl moment" – referencing the former German Chancellor who facilitated European unification – suggesting a more decisive commitment is needed.

Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker expressed positive reception to the gradual integration concept, emphasizing the ultimate goal of full membership. He also highlighted concerns about potential unequal treatment compared to Ukraine and noted the EU's delayed expansion of its roaming area to include Western Balkan states. German politician Friedrich Merz acknowledged shortcomings on the EU's side, stressing the Union's need to demonstrate its "capacity and willingness to enlarge."

Montenegro, the host nation, received acknowledgment for its progress toward EU membership, with aspirations for accession by 2028. Lithuania, holding the EU Council presidency in the first half of 2027, pledged to "do everything to promote and accelerate this process." Ireland, whose presidency follows in the second half of 2026, also indicated support for concluding negotiations with Montenegro.