EU Accelerates Western Balkans Enlargement Amid Security Concerns

At an EU‑Western Balkans summit in Tivat, Montenegro, on 5 June 2026, EU leaders renewed momentum to speed accession talks for Western Balkan candidates. European Council President Antonio Costa called enlargement a “geostrategic necessity” linked to security worries stemming from the Russia‑Ukraine war, cyber‑attacks and heightened activity around the Black Sea.

Hungary’s decision to lift its veto on Ukraine’s accession negotiations, announced shortly before the summit, was presented as a boost to the overall enlargement agenda. The move is expected to open formal talks with Ukraine this month and is seen as a signal of renewed unity in Brussels. EU officials, including France and Germany, floated a phased integration model that would grant incremental EU benefits as candidate countries meet reform benchmarks.

The summit also featured remarks from leaders of Albania, Serbia and Montenegro, who voiced support for a faster, merit‑based path toward EU membership, while also acknowledging unresolved issues such as minority‑rights negotiations between Hungary and Ukraine.