Thewesternbalkans.
Part one.
The President of the European Council Antonio Kosta paid 5 days visit to the Western Balkans, from 1-st to 5-th of June 2026. In general Costa and his counterparts have been talking about the potential and challenges of enlargement, progressive integration into the European Union, regional cooperation, security, and stability.
During his press conferences following the meetings with Western Balkan leaders, President António Costa pointed out that this tour sends a clear signal. The commitment of the European Union to the Western Balkans is real. As real as the opportunity for enlargement. The start of the drafting of Montenegro’s Accession Treaty is proof of that.
The European Union is the Western Balkans’ countries most reliable partner, its main investor and trading partner. The EU is committed to supporting their further – both politically and financially, Antonio Kosta repeated in the WB capitals. „It is about more than access to the Single Market. It means joining a political Union built on common values and shared strategic choices. In this time of global geopolitical uncertainty and economic instability, more than an opportunity, enlargement is a geostrategic interest for Europe. It is as an investment in the peace, stability and security of our continent”.
Bosnia and Herzegovina.
On 1 of June 2026, the President of the European Council Antonio Kosta met in Sarajevo the three BiH Presidency members: Denis Bećirović (Bosniak Muslim), Željka Cvijanović (Serb), Željko Komšić (Croat), and Prime Minister Borjana Krišto.
The main message for Bosnia and Herzegovina was that the country needs to decide if it will do the necessary work to share the same future in the European Union. The country is only a few steps away from the next tangible phase in the opening of accession negotiations – now is the time to focus on the goal and accelerate the pace of reforms, starting with judiciary system and appoint chief negotiator.
Equally urgent is to start implementing the Reform Agenda. This would unlock funds under the Reform and Growth Facility to boost the economic convergence and transform the lives B&H citizens. Bosnia and Herzegovina has already lost €108 million and an additional €373 million are at risk in the coming months.
The European Union contributes to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s prosperity and security through concrete projects and policies that benefit the citizens:
- EUFOR Althea is a key element of the European Union’s long-standing commitments to the stability and security of this country;
- through the European Peace Facility (EPF), the EU provides tangible support to the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina;
- and, if B&H delivers on the alignment with the EU legislation, gradual integration in the European Single Market will benefit the citizens and businesses already before accession. This includes, for instance, becoming part of the EU Roaming space and joining Single European Payments Area.
Albania.
On 2-th of June, Antonio Costa met in Tirana Prime Minister Edi Rama and President Bajram Begaj. The President of the European Council started his Press conference welcoming and applauding Albania’s determination and efforts to become a member of the European Union, including personal commitment of the Prime Minister to this process.
Last week’s Accession Conference confirmed Albanian progress, as the country has met the interim benchmarks on the first ‘fundamentals’ cluster. It is a clear recognition by the member states of Albania’s commitment to further advance on the path towards membership of the European Union. This marks the beginning of a demanding next phase in the process, focused on implementation and a solid track record.
Antonio Costa encouraged Albania to step up the efforts in fighting corruption and organised crime.
The European Union supports Albania’s prosperity and security through concrete projects and policies that benefit your citizens, for example:
- Albania has access to the Single Euro Payments Area;
- Albania is gradually integrating in the EU Single Market, the ‘Roam Like at Home’ and the Discover EU rail pass scheme.
The President of Albania, Bajram Begaj, also hosted a meeting with the President of the European Council, António Costa, with whom he discussed Albania’s European integration process and developments in the Western Balkans region.
Republic of North Macedonia.
In Skopje, at the press conference following the meeting with Prime Minister of North Macedonia Hristijan Mickoski, President Antonio Costa stated that North Macedonian government has shown commitment, in particular tangible progress on the Reform Agenda towards the adoption of roadmaps for rule of law and public administration reforms, which is important for North Macedonia to benefit from the European Union Growth Plan and to advance the EU accession.
President Costa also appreciated North Macedonian full alignment with the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union which sends a powerful signal of North Macedonia’s strategic orientation and shared values.
Antonio Costa was very clear about starting accession negotiations: “Adopting the agreed constitutional amendments remains the necessary next step towards formally starting the accession negotiations. It is the only way to unlock the full benefits of European Union membership for the people of North Macedonia” stated President Costa.
“But ultimately, the power to shape your future is in your hands. The only way to make progress towards European integration is to engage in a constructive dialogue with your neighbours, take pragmatic steps to build trust and carry out the necessary reforms”, said Antonio Costa.
Fin part one.
