Brussels summit aims to strengthen EU-Western Balkans ties

Brussels is hosting an EU-Western Balkans Summit on Wednesday, bringing together EU leaders and representatives from the six Balkan nations seeking membership. While the official agenda focuses on strengthening economic and political ties, the core objective remains clear: EU accession for the region’s aspiring nations.

The summit primarily serves as a reaffirmation of the EU’s commitment to the Balkans, especially as Russia tries to strengthen its influence in the region. EU officials have framed this gathering as a chance to advance regional partnerships through initiatives like the Growth Plan, which seeks to deepen economic connections and support structural reforms in the Western Balkans. However, these efforts are seen as preparatory measures, paving the way for full membership rather than being end goals in themselves.

Countries such as Montenegro, which is closest to EU membership, are pushing for clear timelines. Others, like Albania and North Macedonia, still remain in the early stages of negotiations. Despite differing levels of progress, the summit aims to reiterate the EU’s commitment to eventual enlargement. This commitment is strengthened by recent geopolitical events, notably Russia’s continuing invasion of Ukraine and Moscow's attempts to meddle with elections in Moldova and Georgia. 

Challenges

Although the EU has strong geopolitical motivations to speed up enlargement, several obstacles remain. Member states continue to demand that candidate countries meet rigorous criteria. These include democratic reforms and the resolution of bilateral disputes. Meanwhile, the EU itself must navigate internal debates about institutional and financial reforms needed to integrate new members seamlessly.

The summit is therefore unlikely to result in breakthroughs of any kind. However, the discussions will highlight the EU’s long-term commitment to integrating the Western Balkans. For the six aspiring nations - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Croatia - it will especially be an opportunity to strengthen ties with the EU and push for meaningful progress on their path to membership.

^{The 2022 EU-Western Balkan summit in Tirana, ALbania © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}