EU to Initiate Integration of Western Balkan Countries

European Union Explores Gradual Integration Process for Western Balkan Countries

Six nations, including Montenegro, Ukraine, and Moldova, have expressed interest in joining the European Union, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stating that the bloc plans to initiate a gradual integration process. The announcement came during an EU-Western Balkans summit held in Tivat, Montenegro.

Merz emphasized that the EU’s message is clear: “We want you” and aims to integrate the region into the bloc soon. Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic welcomed several European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Merz, on Friday morning. The country is among those seeking EU membership.

The interest in joining the EU has been reinvigorated since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Since then, both Ukraine and Moldova have joined the queue of countries seeking accession alongside Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia. However, the process of joining is complex, involving years of negotiations and legal reforms.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the enlargement process needs to be made faster and more credible. France and Germany proposed a strengthened gradual integration process, which could allow countries to join certain bloc formats if they align with EU criteria. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama recently argued for faster integration in exchange for new members not having veto rights.

The idea of “halfway” integration is gaining traction. Enlargement is seen as crucial from a geopolitical perspective, given the region’s importance for Europe’s energy, security, and migration routes. However, some countries have faced significant challenges in meeting EU requirements, with public support for membership decreasing in certain nations.

Montenegro has made progress in its accession talks, with European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos stating that technical negotiations could be concluded by the end of this year, potentially paving the way for membership by 2028.

Source: Al Jazeera