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European Commission - Announcement ”The EU will not be complete without the Western Balkans”, von der Leyen says at the EU-Western Balkan Summit. Brussels, 11 June 2026 The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen , was in Tivat, Montenegro, last week to take part in the EU-Western Balkans Summit. This was the second summit of this kind in just six months – a clear demonstration that the enlargement...
European Commission - Announcement ”The EU will not be complete without the Western Balkans”, von der Leyen says at the EU-Western Balkan Summit. Brussels, 11 June 2026 The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen , was in Tivat, Montenegro, last week to take part in the EU-Western Balkans Summit. This was the second summit of this kind in just six months – a clear demonstration that the enlargement process is at the top of the EU's agenda. In President von der Leyen's words, the goal of the meeting was to “turn momentum into movement, and movement into membership” of the EU. The Summit took place in Montenegro to mark the 20th anniversary of the country's independence as well as the advancement of the country on the EU accession path . Leaders addressed two main topics: the Western Balkan's Growth Plan and enlargement . President von der Leyen underlined the positive progress of the Growth Plan. She said: “The Growth Plan is working well. It has the principle that the European Union opens sectors of the Single Market, and for that the candidate country has to do reforms to have a level playing field. But with the reforms also comes investment. It is working insofar as we have invested now €675 million, the next tranche is already on its way with €540 million.” In that context, SEPA , the Single Euro Payment Area, has been introduced in four Western Balkans countries, allowing for smooth and costless transactions; high-speed internet has been introduced for 75 000 households; and the Council authorised ahead of the Summit talks on extending the ‘roam like at home' scheme to Western Balkans partners. All these are concrete examples that make a difference for the people and that show the benefits of bringing the Western Balkans closer to our Union. Enlargement was the second key topic of the Summit. The President stated : “Enlargement is a geostrategic imperative for us and a long-term investment in our peace, stability and security. It will remain merit-based. But it must become more dynamic.” President von der Leyen further argued that reforms must be rewarded, declaring: “(…) when reforms are delivered, progress on the path of accession to the European Union must follow. And this is what we want to do: to reward reforms with real integration. So for example, with access to our programmes, closer links to the Single Market and EU funding that rewards reforms.” Further, she praised the progress made by the Western Balkan partners on the road to EU accession. The President elaborated: “And yes, Montenegro becoming the 28th Member State by 2028 is within reach. (…) So, we can only encourage you to keep up the good spirit and the pace that you have shown, as well as the ambition and determination. We hope that Albania will follow quickly. And that the whole region will keep moving closer to our Union.” The President of the Commission also insisted both Member States and Western Balkan partners should explain the benefits of enlargement to their people . She detailed : “And the enlargement process has to be more visible. The candidate countries have to explain to their people the benefits of enlargement, but on our side, the Member States also have to explain to our people the benefits of enlargement. And that is the strategic component. Enlargement means more security, more prosperity, and a bigger place of Europe in the world.” President von der Leyen concluded her statement at the joint press conference with EU Council President Costa and President Milatović with a strong call in favour of enlargement, detailing how the Western Balkans and the EU are already enmeshed. She stressed: “What this Summit has shown is that we already form a community of shared destiny. Our security is connected, our economies are connected, and our future is connected. The enlargement process is how we turn this reality into membership. And how we bring the Western Balkans closer to where they belong: at the heart of the European Union.” More information: Audiovisual coverage Opening remarks by President von der Leyen at the EU-Western Balkans Summit Doorstep by President von der Leyen ahead of the EU-Western Balkans Summit Statement by President von der Leyen with President Costa and President Milatović following the EU- Western Balkans Summit Press release : EU-Western Balkans Summit highlights enlargement as a strategic investment in Europe's peace, stability and security Growth Plan for the Western Balkans Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans AC/26/1340 Related media Visit of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, to Montenegro
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