European Council President António Costa has reiterated that the future of all Western Balkan countries lies within the European Union, saying Kosovo, North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina still have opportunities to make progress and accelerate the reforms required for EU membership.
In a statement delivered during the 2026 Euronews EU Enlargement Summit, Costa reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to bringing the Western Balkans into the bloc.
He specifically mentioned Kosovo, North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, saying the three countries could advance their European integration efforts by accelerating the necessary reforms.
“It is my unshakable conviction that the future of all Western Balkan countries is within the European Union. And I believe that North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo can still make further progress and accelerate the necessary reforms on their path towards EU membership,” Costa said.
He stressed that the enlargement process must remain fair, predictable and merit-based, highlighting the importance of reforms, the rule of law, the fight against corruption and stronger democratic institutions.
Costa also announced that he would hold discussions with Western Balkan leaders in three weeks at the fourth EU-Western Balkans Summit to take place during his presidency of the European Council.
He emphasized that EU membership involves more than aligning legislation and institutions. It also requires building trust, resolving disputes through diplomacy and strengthening cooperation between countries.
Costa’s remarks come as Kosovo and other Western Balkan countries continue to face pressure to advance reforms and meet the conditions for closer integration with the European Union.
