European Council President António Costa said on Monday the European Union must prepare for enlargement in the coming years, including reforms, budget changes and stronger governance, as Western Balkan countries move closer to membership.
“The EU is not a closed club. The accession paths of the Western Balkans, Moldova and Ukraine are not just promises. They are priorities,” Costa told the Bled Strategic Forum (BSF).
He said enlargement would not be easy but was “the best investment” to reconcile nations and build a more united continent. Costa added that the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans could be a “game changer,” offering financial support and incentives for reforms, cooperation and integration.
Speaking on a panel with the prime ministers of Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro and Albania, Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said Albania will open two more negotiation clusters this year.
“If we finish the technical part of accession talks in 2026, then in 2028 we could get the 28th member of the EU. Albania could join as the 29th member in 2029,” Kos said, but added there would be no shortcuts.
“Rule of law, human rights, fight against corruption, and free media are non-negotiable,” she said.
Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said his country was focused on European integration, the economy and rule of law, and noted reforms including electoral legislation changes passed with broad parliamentary support.
“For decades, this was impossible… now we are able to move forward,” he said.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković voiced doubts about enlargement being a true priority for the EU, stressing the need for preparation and sufficient public backing. He pointed to political instability in parts of the region, including unrest in Serbia, deadlock in North Macedonia and ongoing disputes in Bosnia.