Both supporters and opponents of Ukraine’s or the Western Balkan states’ accession have valid arguments. Instead of a black-and-white approach, a more nuanced one is needed – with different stages on the path to full membership.
By David Preisendanz
The EU is seeking new approaches to accession negotiations with Ukraine and other candidate countries. While the traditional enlargement model is considered outdated, radical proposals are meeting with resistance in the member states.
By Stephan Israel and Till Hoppe
The EU wants to integrate the Western Balkan states into its roaming-free zone. This would be an intermediate step on the path to full membership and would mean that in future, citizens and businesses would be able to avoid roaming charges.
By Stephan Israel
The incoming coalition in The Hague seeks to reassert the Netherlands’ influence within the European Union. Under its plans, strengthening Europe will depend on deeper cooperation in defense, energy, and key technologies, combined with a tougher and more consistent response to violations of the rule of law across the bloc.
By Stephan Israel
The new Dutch coalition aims to significantly deepen cooperation with the EU in the field of defense. Its plans include a substantial expansion of military capabilities, the creation of joint European defense structures, and the establishment of a European sanctions authority.
By Stephan Israel
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.
By Stephan Israel
Montenegro’s Minister for European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, is confident that her country’s accession negotiations can be finalized in 2026. She is critical of the discussion in the EU about withholding veto rights from new member states. Montenegro’s success will also motivate other EU candidates, she says.
By Stephan Israel
Montenegro is experiencing a democratic generational change with the new leadership centered around Prime Minister Milojko Spajić. The small country is accelerating its EU accession process, becoming a potential model for the entire Western Balkans.
By Jakov Devčić
The countries of the Western Balkans are already making a decisive contribution to Europe’s security architecture. According to the “White Paper on European Defense — Readiness 2030”, Europe should be prepared for possible war by the end of the decade. The Western Balkans hold enormous potential here.
By Frauke Seebass
In its Enlargement Report, the Commission for the first time clearly criticizes developments in Serbia. The report is to be adopted on Tuesday. The progress made in Montenegro and Albania, the model pupils among the candidate countries in the Balkans, is praised positively.
By Stephan Israel
