French President Macron proposes staged EU accession for Western Balkan states

French President Emmanuel Macron announced a proposal for a gradual accession process for the Western Balkan countries. He said that a candidate country that has adopted the EU acquis in a specific sector should be allowed to take part in EU procedures related to that sector. The plan, backed by France and Germany, calls for an enhanced, step‑by‑step enlargement pathway and will be discussed at an EU‑Western Balkans summit in Tirana.

Macron stressed the geopolitical stakes, linking the region’s integration to Europe’s energy security, overall safety and refugee challenges. He also reassured Balkan leaders that the outcome of France’s 2027 presidential election will not halt enlargement, noting, “There are always people who write disaster scenarios … I see you believe in yourselves, keep going! The rest will follow.”