EU-Western Balkans Summit Ends Without Substantial Progress

Leaders from both sides emphasized urgency in advancing EU membership talks, but significant obstacles remain unresolved.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged faster progress in the EU accession process for the six Western Balkans countries, which has been stalled for over 20 years.
The EU emphasized the geopolitical importance of integrating the region, citing competition from Russia and China for influence.
Montenegro reaffirmed its goal of joining the EU by 2028, while Albania reported incremental progress in its membership negotiations.
Kosovo remains the furthest from EU membership due to unresolved tensions with Serbia and its lack of recognition by several EU member states.
The EU called for internal reforms, including changes to decision-making processes, before admitting new members, but no binding timeline was established.