EU Council plans strategic talks on Western Balkans enlargement this autumn

The European Council will hold a strategic discussion on Western Balkans enlargement in the autumn, with a meeting scheduled for October 2026. President of the Council, António Costa, has invited EU leaders to address the process and reforms, describing it as a "new wave" in the accession agenda. Three proposals are being examined that would allow gradual integration of Western Balkan states, including possible observer status, faster entry into the Schengen area and the EU single market, while retaining a limited‑veto period during the trial phase.

Montenegro is slated to start accession talks in 2028, followed by Albania in 2030. Greece, which will hold the EU Council presidency in the second half of 2027, is pushing to accelerate Montenegro’s accession during its term. The discussions also touch on the broader strategy for the region’s reforms and the EU’s commitment to support integration based on merit and adherence to core European values.