President of the European Council António Costa has expressed optimism regarding the potential for Albania and Montenegro to join the European Union ahead of other candidate countries. This statement comes as part of his diplomatic tour of the Western Balkans, emphasizing the EU’s commitment to enlargement and regional stability.
Key Takeaways
- Costa emphasizes the importance of EU enlargement for regional stability.
- Albania and Montenegro are seen as more advanced in the accession process compared to other candidates.
- The ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly due to Russia’s actions, are influencing the urgency of EU membership for these countries.
EU’s Commitment to Enlargement
During his recent interview with Euronews, Costa highlighted that the future stability and prosperity of Europe hinge on the enlargement of the EU. He reassured candidate countries that the EU is dedicated to reviving the stalled accession process, which has faced delays due to hesitations among current member states.
Costa’s tour includes visits to Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, Northern Macedonia, and Albania, where he will participate in the European Political Community summit. This summit aims to address the growing instability in the Western Balkans and the influence of external powers in the region.
The Importance of Reforms
Costa urged candidate countries to commit to necessary reforms, stating that the accession process is fundamentally about internal reform. He noted that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has accelerated the EU’s focus on enlargement, particularly for Ukraine and Moldova, and it would be unjust for the Western Balkans to be left behind.
He remarked, "Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has sped up the accession process for Ukraine and Moldova, so it is not fair to the countries of the Western Balkans to be overtaken by them."
Serbia’s Political Landscape
Serbia’s political crisis remains a significant concern for both the EU and NATO. President Aleksandar Vučić’s recent participation in World War II commemorations in Moscow has raised eyebrows, as Serbia has not joined EU sanctions against Russia. The political unrest in Serbia, characterized by protests against corruption and media restrictions, poses challenges to its EU aspirations.
Costa emphasized that a common foreign policy alignment with the EU is essential for Serbia’s accession. He stated, "Serbia’s future lies in Europe," indicating that the country must navigate its political challenges to move forward in the EU integration process.
Timeline for Accession
While European institutions have previously suggested 2030 as a target date for the first accessions, Costa indicated that this timeline is flexible. He stated, "Accession is a process based on merit. If the countries carry out the reforms, they could even join before 2030."
Albania and Montenegro are currently viewed as more advanced in their reform processes compared to other candidates, which could facilitate their earlier accession.
Conclusion
Costa’s visit underscores the EU’s commitment to integrating the Western Balkans into the European family. He believes that EU membership offers a unique opportunity for prosperity and stability in the region, which is crucial given the current geopolitical climate. As the EU navigates its enlargement strategy, the focus on Albania and Montenegro may pave the way for a new chapter in European integration.
