EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, is on a multi-day visit to Slovenia. In an interview with Slovenian media “RTV SLO”, Kos discussed tensions in the Western Balkans and the challenges the European Union faces.
Kos emphasized that EU enlargement is a geopolitical issue, not just a technical process. She mentioned that Albania could reach the finish line by the end of 2027.
“The Western Balkans are at the forefront. Personally, it pains me that the enlargement process in the Western Balkans has not happened for so many years,” said Kos.
She also pointed out that Montenegro is leading in this process and could complete negotiations by the end of 2026. After that, it depends on how long the member states will take for ratification. Albania is in second place and could reach the finish line by 2027.
Kos emphasized that about 1,000 people are working for each candidate country in Brussels, and while this is a technical process, member states will have the final say.
Regarding Serbia, Kos stated that “Serbia is in stagnation on its European path.”
