Key facts
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated the EU must show it is willing and able to enlarge.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated the EU must demonstrate its willingness and ability to enlarge, noting the bloc has not admitted new members in 13 years. He emphasized that the Western Balkans belong within the EU's future, with six countries from the region seeking membership. Germany and France proposed granting aspiring members earlier access to EU programs and the single market.
The EU's potential expansion could reshape the geopolitical landscape of Europe, impacting economic integration, security dynamics, and the bloc's global influence.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated at a summit in Montenegro that the European Union must demonstrate its willingness and ability to enlarge. He highlighted that the bloc has not admitted new members for 13 years, indicating shortcomings in its own preparedness. Merz emphasized that the Western Balkans belong within the EU's future. Six countries from the region—Albania, Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo—are seeking membership, with Montenegro considered the frontrunner. On the eve of the summit, Germany and France proposed granting aspiring members earlier access to EU programs and the single market. Merz had previously suggested an 'associate member' status for Ukraine as an interim step towards full membership. At the summit, Merz reiterated his desire for Western Balkan countries to be better integrated into the EU as they seek full membership, and Commission head Ursula von der Leyen called for a 'faster' enlargement process.