# Czech-Western Balkans diplomatic and economic relations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/czech-western-balkans-diplomatic-and-economic-relations
> Updated: 2026-08-23T22:09:00.000Z. Sources: 31. Developments: 2.

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has actively engaged in strengthening ties with the Western Balkans through economic, military, and diplomatic initiatives. Initially, focus was placed on economic and defense cooperation. Babiš promoted Serbia’s upcoming Expo 2027, noting its potential as a logistics hub to attract European investment. During this period, the Czech government expressed expectations for Serbia to purchase L-39 Skyfox trainer jets, following a €24.2 million arms sale to Montenegro. Diplomatic efforts subsequently expanded toward European integration. Babiš advocated for the immediate inclusion of Western Balkan nations, including Serbia, into the Schengen Area to assist in managing illegal migration. He also expressed support for the potential EU membership of Montenegro by 2028 and Albania by 2029, while criticizing the EU’s handling of North Macedonia’s accession process. Concurrently, Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka emphasized a strategic shift toward ‘realistic diplomacy and economic interests.’

As of late 2026, Montenegro is accelerating its EU accession process, with officials aiming to close all remaining negotiation chapters by the end of the year to facilitate full membership by 2028. European Affairs Minister Maida Gorčević stated the government expects to complete internal legislative and executive alignment for the remaining chapters by the end of September 2026. Montenegro has provisionally closed 18 of its 33 opened chapters, with the EU Council’s working group currently reviewing positions to close four specific chapters regarding transport, food safety, statistics, and social policy. If successful, Montenegro could reach 22 closed chapters as early as mid-September. This progress aligns with support from Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, and EU Commissioner Marta Kos, who described 2026 as a record year for enlargement progress.

## Claims

- Montenegro aims to become the 28th member of the European Union by 2028. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Croatian Speaker Gordan Jandroković warned that Serbia is acquiring offensive weaponry. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- The EU should prioritize including Western Balkan countries like Serbia in the Schengen Area. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- EU Commissioner Marta Kos stated Montenegro has closed over half of its negotiation chapters. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš expressed support for Albania joining the EU in 2029. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka aims to shift foreign policy from activism to diplomacy and negotiation. (single source)
- EU Council President Charles Michel is touring member states to negotiate the 2028-2034 budget. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-23: Montenegro targets 2028 EU membership amid regional security concerns

Montenegro aims for EU membership by 2028, supported by Slovakia and Czechia. Meanwhile, Croatia warns of Serbian military buildup, and leaders call for faster Schengen integration in the Western Balkans.

31 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/czech-ambassadors-convene-in-prague-for-regular-diplomatic-meeting

### 2026-07-25: Czech PM Babiš champions Serbia's Expo 2027 and arms sales

Czech leaders promote Serbia's Expo 2027, spotlight a space‑technology pavilion, and announce arms deals with Serbia and Montenegro.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/czech-pm-babi-champions-serbias-expo-2027-and-arms-sales

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Cite as: Czech-Western Balkans diplomatic and economic relations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/czech-western-balkans-diplomatic-and-economic-relations