European leaders reaffirmed their support for European Union enlargement during the EU–Western Balkans Summit held in Tivat, emphasizing that the progress of candidate countries depends on implementing reforms and aligning with the bloc’s policies.
One of the strongest messages of the summit was directed at Serbia. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Belgrade must clearly define its strategic orientation and decide whether it sees its future within the European Union.
“It is not possible to pursue a policy of balancing between Russia, China, and Europe,” Merz told reporters, stressing that alignment with the EU’s foreign and security policy remains a key condition for Serbia’s advancement in the accession process.
At the summit, European leaders particularly praised Montenegro’s progress, with the country being regarded as the most advanced candidate for membership and aiming to join the European Union by 2028.
Although the meeting did not conclude with a joint declaration, participants reiterated their commitment to the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries and to the continuation of the EU enlargement process.
