Citizens in European Union countries, particularly in Germany and Austria, remain skeptical about further EU enlargement—especially regarding the Western Balkans. As a result, Montenegro is reportedly hoping to join the bloc together with Iceland, according to the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), cited by Deutsche Welle.
According to a Eurobarometer survey published in September 2025, 56% of respondents across the EU support enlargement. However, support is lower in Germany (49%) and Austria (45%), where opponents outnumber supporters. In Czech Republic and France, only 43% favor admitting new member states.
FAZ notes that part of the resistance is linked to the negative image of candidate countries. Apart from Turkey—whose candidacy has largely stalled—the remaining candidates are from Eastern Europe, including six Western Balkan states, as well as Moldova, Ukraine, and Georgia.
The article highlights that these countries generally have weaker economic performance compared to current EU members, which dampens enthusiasm. “Candidates are often perceived as taking more than they give. This perception may be unfair, but it is still present in public opinion,” FAZ writes.
Only 15% Support for Serbia and Kosovo
Support for Western Balkan countries remains particularly low. In Austria, only 25% of respondents support the accession of Bosnia and Herzegovina—the highest among the less-favored candidates.
Meanwhile, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Ukraine each receive around 20% support, Albania has 17%, and Moldova 16%. The lowest support is for Serbia and Kosovo, each with only 15% backing EU membership.
Montenegro Considering “Tandem” Entry with Iceland
These findings are particularly challenging for Montenegro, which the European Commission has long considered a “leader” among Western Balkan candidates. Ursula von der Leyen has frequently praised the country’s progress. Montenegro has opened all 33 negotiation chapters and closed 14—more than any other candidate—with a target of joining the EU by 2028.
However, aware of the skepticism, Montenegrin officials are reportedly exploring the idea of joining the EU alongside a less controversial country. If Iceland’s planned referendum at the end of August supports resuming accession talks, Montenegro could attempt a “tandem accession” strategy—leveraging Iceland’s positive image to ease its own path into the EU.
While Katrín Gunnarsdóttir did not directly comment on the idea, she emphasized that Iceland supports cooperation on equal terms and that any agreement with the EU should reflect that principle.
