Europe.Table Talk of the Town EU enlargement

Why admitting the Western Balkan states would be financially advantageous for the European Union

A study by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation finds that the cost of admitting the Western Balkan states to the European Union would be negligible for the Union’s budget. At the same time, accession would deliver a substantial economic boost to the six candidate countries.

29. January 2026
EU-Western Balkans Summit December 2025
Family photo from the previous EU-Western Balkans summit in December 2025. (European Commission / Dati Bendo)

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Last updated: 29. January 2026