António Costa, President of the European Council, reflects on his first tour of all six Western Balkan partners — and why this moment may prove decisive for EU enlargement
A Critical Tour at a Critical Time
When António Costa became President of the European Council earlier this year, he inherited one of the EU’s most complex unfinished projects: the integration of the Western Balkans.
His recent tour — the first time a Council President has visited all six partners in a single sweep — wasn’t a ceremonial act. It was a signal.
“The future of the region is in the European Union,” Costa declared at the outset. “It’s the best way to turn the page of the past and build a common future of peace, stability and prosperity.”
Costa’s trip comes amid renewed geopolitical urgency. Russia’s war in Ukraine has heightened awareness of the EU’s vulnerabilities, especially in its periphery. Enlargement is no longer just about values — it’s a matter of strategic security.
SERBIA: Reform or Risk
In Belgrade, Costa met with President Aleksandar Vučić and pressed for progress on reforms long flagged by Brussels — media freedom, electoral law, judicial independence.
“There is a positive momentum for enlargement and a clear opportunity for Serbia to seize it,” Costa said. “But that window will not remain open forever.”
Serbia has been a candidate since 2012 but remains a geopolitical balancing act — officially on a European path, but maintaining strong ties with Moscow and Beijing.
Costa was firm: alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy is no longer optional.
“The EU accession process is not an exercise in ticking boxes. These reforms bring real benefits to citizens.”
Civil society groups voiced concerns over democratic backsliding. Costa listened. “I hear their concerns,” he said. “And I believe the way to address them is through deeper integration — not detachment.”
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA: A European Future at Risk
In Sarajevo, Costa visited EUFOR Althea — the EU’s peacekeeping mission — before meeting with the tripartite Presidency and Prime Minister Borjana Krišto.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, granted candidate status in 2022, remains divided and fragile. Secessionist rhetoric from Republika Srpska has alarmed Brussels. Costa acknowledged the risks but insisted:
“Bosnia and Herzegovina is a European country with a European future. But that future requires responsibility from all political leaders — and reforms to match.”
He called for urgent action: new judiciary laws, alignment with the EU Growth Plan, and the appointment of a chief negotiator for accession.
From Belgrade to Tirana
13 May 2025:
• Belgrade, Serbia – Meeting with President Vučić and other officials.
• Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – Addressed EUFOR Althea troops and met with the Presidency.
14 May 2025:
• Podgorica, Montenegro – Met with President Milatović and Prime Minister Spajić.
• Pristina, Kosovo – Met with President Osmani and Prime Minister Kurti.
15 May 2025:
• Skopje, North Macedonia – Met with Prime Minister Mickoski and President Siljanovska-Davkova.
• Tirana, Albania – Met with Prime Minister Rama and President Begaj.
16 May 2025:
• Tirana, Albania – Co-hosted the 6th European Political Community Summit.
ALBANIA: The Poster Child for Enlargement?
In Tirana, Costa received a notably warm welcome. Prime Minister Edi Rama’s pro-European stance has made Albania a favourite in Brussels.
“Albania embodies the EU’s enlargement momentum,” Costa said. “Its accession is no longer a question of if — but when.”
Albania began accession talks in 2022 and has made progress on public administration reform, judicial vetting, and digital governance. Costa’s visit reaffirmed EU trust and was symbolically timed just before the European Political Community summit — the first ever hosted in the Western Balkans.
MONTENEGRO: A Matter of Pace
Podgorica has long been seen as the frontrunner. It opened negotiations in 2012 and has completed more chapters than any other candidate. But domestic instability and corruption scandals have slowed progress.
“Montenegro has the ambition and capacity to join the EU,” Costa said. “Now it’s about pace. The momentum must not be lost.”
KOSOVO*: The Dialogue That Can’t Be Dodged
In Pristina, Costa met with President Vjosa Osmani to discuss Kosovo’s EU path — and its strained relations with Serbia. The EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina dialogue remains gridlocked.
“Kosovo’s place is in the European family,” Costa said. “But that means building democratic consensus — and making the dialogue with Serbia real and tangible.”
Kosovo applied for EU membership in 2022, but five EU countries still don’t recognise its independence. For many, the dialogue process — and Pristina’s ability to implement agreements — will determine whether progress is possible.
NORTH MACEDONIA: A Test of Political Will
In Skopje, Costa met with President Gordana Siljanovska and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski. North Macedonia has endured more obstacles than most — from the name dispute with Greece to recent tensions over constitutional amendments tied to Bulgarian minority rights.
“North Macedonia has shown commitment,” Costa said. “Now is the time to deliver. You can count on the EU — and on me — to help turn the page.”
DINNER WITH SIX: The Bigger Picture
President António Costa hosted a dinner with the leaders of the six Western Balkan countries on the evening of 15 May 2025 in Tirana, Albania. This gathering took place on the eve of the European Political Community Summit, which Costa co-chaired the following day. The dinner served as a culmination of Costa’s regional tour, providing an opportunity for open dialogue and reinforcing the European Union’s commitment to the Western Balkans’ path toward EU integration.
There, he distilled his core message into two words: consistency and trust.
“Consistency from the EU — in keeping enlargement at the top of its agenda. And consistency from our partners — in embracing reforms and aligning with EU values.
And trust — that can only be built through open dialogue. Internally, regionally, and with Brussels.”
Costa’s tour didn’t announce new treaties or open new chapters. But it reintroduced something often missing in enlargement talks: political focus.
We are closer than ever. The next steps are in your hands
In a region where fatigue has often outpaced hope, that message may prove to be the most important reform of all.
