EU Council President Says Montenegro Accession by 2028 Not Impossible

European Council President António Costa said Montenegro joining the European Union by 2028 ^[1] is not impossible.

This potential timeline signals a shift in how the EU manages enlargement in the Western Balkans. Streamlining the entry process could accelerate regional stability and integrate candidate nations more efficiently into the bloc's political and economic framework.

Costa said during an interview with Maria Tadeo on Euronews' EuropeToday program that Montenegro is performing well in its requirements for membership. "They are doing very well, it's not impossible," Costa said ^[1].

Beyond the specific timeline for Montenegro, Costa advocated for a systemic overhaul of how the EU admits new members. He said the current framework is too rigid for the needs of the Western Balkans. The current process often requires unanimous agreement from all existing member states at every stage of the journey.

Costa said the bloc needs to streamline the accession process, removing the need for unanimity at each stage ^[1]. By reducing these hurdles, the EU could prevent individual member states from blocking the progress of candidates who have already met the necessary criteria.

Simplifying these rules is intended to help the Western Balkans integrate more effectively, and contribute to a more stable regional environment ^[3]. The move would transition the EU from a slow, consensus-heavy model toward a more agile enlargement strategy. This approach aims to reward nations that demonstrate consistent progress in judicial and administrative reforms.