politics
EU and Western Balkans leaders hold accession summit
European Council President António Costa said the bloc has renewed momentum for enlargement after Hungary lifted its veto on Ukraine and Moldova. Montenegro remains on track for 2028 membership while Serbia faces stalled negotiations over judicial and media reforms.
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The move came ahead of the EU-Western Balkans summit held this week in Tivat, Montenegro. Costa stated the upcoming June EU summit will demonstrate renewed unity among member states.
Ukraine is expected to open the first set of negotiations this month, though diplomats said the remaining five clusters of reforms could extend beyond July. Costa said Ukraine should be able to close the clusters swiftly given parallel work already completed.
Montenegro is on track to join the EU in 2028. Costa described the process as merit-based and said it needs simplification, echoing a French-German proposal for gradual integration that would grant candidates more single-market access as they complete reforms.
Serbia has not opened a new negotiation cluster since 2021. Costa said the country must decide its future direction, citing backsliding on judicial independence and media freedom. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić attended the summit despite earlier speculation he might skip it.
Rama described the demonstrations as part of a hybrid attack involving antisemitism and external interference. The meeting occurred under heightened security, including helicopter patrols above the venue.
