[REVISION HISTORY]

Czech-Western Balkans diplomatic and economic relations

Updated 6 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-25 18:07 UTC → 2026-09-03 14:46 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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. During an annual meeting of Czech ambassadors in Prague, Babiš reiterated his stance on regional integration, expressing hope that Montenegro could become the 28th EU member by 2028 and suggesting Albania could join by 2029. He continued to criticize the EU for prioritizing membership over the inclusion of nations like Serbia in the Schengen Area to better manage migration. Concurrently, Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka emphasized a strategic shift toward ‘realistic diplomacy and economic interests.’ ~~While maintaining commitment to the EU and NATO, Macinka noted the government aims to move from ‘political gestures toward tangible results.’~~ As of ~~August~~ late 2026, Montenegro ~~continues~~ is accelerating its EU accession process, with officials aiming to ~~advance toward~~ close all remaining negotiation chapters by the end of the year to facilitate full membership by 2028. European ~~Union membership. President Jakov Milatović~~ Affairs Minister Maida Gorčević stated the government expects to complete internal legislative and ~~Slovak President Peter Pellegrini have expressed strong support~~ executive alignment for ~~Montenegro becoming~~ the ~~28th EU member~~ remaining chapters by ~~2028. EU Commissioner Marta Kos noted that~~ the end of September 2026. Montenegro has provisionally closed ~~more than half~~ 18 of its ~~negotiation~~ 33 opened chapters, ~~describing~~ 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.

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