EU Leaders Discuss Balkan Expansion at Tivat Summit

European Union leaders gathered with their Western Balkan counterparts in the Montenegrin coastal town of Tivat on Friday to discuss potential expansion of the bloc. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that the EU must demonstrate its willingness and ability to take in new members, stating 'The clear message of today is, and will remain: We want you. And we want this region, and the states within it, to become members of the European Union soon.' This summit comes amidst heightened geopolitical tensions due to Russia's war against Ukraine, which has accelerated discussions about EU enlargement.

More than 30 leaders attended the summit, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The focus was on integrating six Balkan countries—Albania, Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo—more deeply into the EU single market as a step toward eventual membership.

Montenegro is seen as the frontrunner for EU accession, aiming to join by 2028. The country has made significant progress in its negotiations but still faces challenges related to justice and corruption reforms. The slogan '28 by 28 - The Next EU Member' reflects this ambitious goal. However, all 27 current EU members must approve each step of the accession process.

Germany and France proposed giving aspiring EU members more opportunities to join EU programs and access the single market before full membership. This proposal aims to inject new momentum into discussions on enlarging the bloc. The Franco-German paper suggests participation in EU student exchange and research programs, as well as potential integration in areas such as energy and industry.

The summit also addressed tensions between Serbia and Montenegro, with Reuters reporting that Serbia's security agency advised President Aleksandar Vucic not to attend due to security threats. This diplomatic tit-for-tat underscores the complex political dynamics in the region. Despite these challenges, EU leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enlargement as a geostrategic interest for Europe.

Montenegro's president, Jakov Milatović, welcomed the leaders at the summit. The lengthy joining process has led to a significant fall in support for membership among some Balkan countries. In Serbia, public support for EU membership has dropped below 50%, partly due to close ties with Moscow.

EU officials have long stated that the six Balkan states would join together, but Montenegro and Albania are now seen as frontrunners. While no major steps were expected at this summit, the focus remained on how the EU can improve people's lives in the region. The proposal for 'gradual integration' includes allowing countries aligning with certain EU criteria to participate in specific bloc formats, such as European Council meetings of EU leaders.