Montenegro’s path towards the European Union has clearly accelerated, and those who are progressing faster must not be slowed down because of others, said European Council President Antonio Costa, after the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Brussels.
The event was also attended by the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović.
“We have just concluded our summit with our Western Balkan partners. This is the most important event of the year for reaffirming the strength of our relations. Today’s summit sent a clear message: we firmly support the future of the Western Balkans in the European Union,” said KoÅ¡ta.
He said EU enlargement remains at the heart of “our common goals”.
“It is the right choice for three reasons: first, from a geopolitical perspective. An enlarged European Union means a safer, stronger and more peaceful Europe; second, because enlargement strengthens our shared prosperity. Every enlargement to date has proven this; and third, because the European Union remains an attractive and credible project – and we must meet the expectations it creates. Enlargement is now happening faster than in the last 15 years. We must seize this opportunity.”
He says that enlargement is a merit-based process, not a race or competition between candidates. “Those who advance faster must not be slowed down by others. On the contrary, they should set the pace and be an inspiration to all.”
He also says that good progress has been made over the past 12 months:
“Montenegro’s path towards the European Union has clearly accelerated. This week alone, five negotiation chapters were successfully closed; Albania managed to open all negotiation clusters in a very short time, with the last ones opened in November. Next year will be their moment of truth for accelerating reforms.”
When it comes to North Macedonia, he said that the EU welcomes steps towards strengthening regional connectivity and hopes for real progress in 2026. “Their authorities know what they need to do.”
He recalls that, also this year, Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted the Reform Agenda, a necessary step for accession to the Growth Plan. “This will enable them to exploit the full potential of European Union support and gradual integration.”
Regarding Kosovo, KoÅ¡ta said they welcome steps taken to build trust between communities. “The upcoming parliamentary elections could be a key moment for consolidating reforms and constructive engagement on the path to European integration.”
He also said that, beyond the technical aspects of the process, there is a fundamental political choice to be made: “The choice between remaining trapped in the past or moving forward towards a common future in the European Union; the choice between division or reconciliation and cooperation, which are the very pillars of the European Union.”
KoÅ¡ta said that only by overcoming the past can the Western Balkans fully assume their role as future EU members and contribute to a stable, prosperous and united Europe. “The road ahead will not be easy. Some reforms will be difficult, but they will pay off. I believe that our partners are committed to their implementation.”
He also says that “we must maintain this momentum.”
“That is why we will support our partners at every step. Enlargement is a deeply transformative process. Socio-economic convergence will strengthen their future in the European Union. The EU is – and will remain – the most reliable partner of the Western Balkans. They are all part of the European family, and the European Union is their place,” said KoÅ¡ta.
Finally, he said that he looked forward to the next EU-Western Balkans summit in Montenegro, in June 2026.
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