Key facts
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated the EU must show it is willing and able to enlarge.
- Merz noted the EU has not admitted new members for 13 years.
- Six Western Balkan countries are seeking EU membership.
- Germany and France proposed granting aspiring members earlier access to EU programs and the single market.
- Merz previously suggested 'associate member' status for Ukraine as an interim step.
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.