European Council President Antonio Costa has reiterated that the future of Western Balkan countries is within the European Union, stressing that Kosovo, Northern Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina still have the opportunity to speed up reforms and mark progress on the road to membership.
His statements were made under the European Union’s 2026 Enlargement Summit, organised by Euronews, where Costa praised that the enlargement process constitutes one of Europe’s most important geopolitical investments for peace, security, democracy, stability and prosperity.
According to Costa, enlargement has helped overcome historical divisions and, in current international circumstances, remains essential for strengthening Europe as geopolitical actor, economic power and peace factors.
He stressed that integration means not only strengthening the European Union but also fulfilling the aspirations of millions of European citizens who have chosen democracy, freedom and co-operation.
The head of the European Council underlined that the membership process should be fair, stable and merit-based, while the European Union should be prepared institutionally for the admission of new members.
Speaking of the European perspective of the Western Balkans, Costa indicated that these issues would also discuss with regional leaders at the 4th EU-Western Balkans Summit, expected to be held in three weeks.
He also spoke of the Development Plan and other European Union initiatives, which, according to him, are contributing to increased investments, economic approach and the region’s closer integration into the Common European Market.
As examples of progress, Costa cited involvement in the Self Paying Zone at Euro ( SEPAs, improvements at border points, strengthening transport connections, digital initiatives and lowering the costs of roaming services.
Meanwhile, he recalled that during October, the European Union has held intergovernmental conferences for membership with Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and Moldova.
According to him, Montenegro and Albania have temporarily closed other negotiating chapters, while Ukraine and Moldova have opened negotiations for new groups.
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