Thewesternbalkans.
According to the European Commission information, on 1 ant 2 of September, the President of the European Council António Kosta and Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos attended the 20th Bled Strategic Forum International Conference in Bled, Slovenia. They have taken part in the Leaders’ Panel alongside Prime Ministers of Slovenia, Croatia, Albania and Montenegro and discussed the renewed momentum for enlargement and exchange views on geopolitical shifts and rising security challenges.
During his speech in the conference President of the European Council, António Costa said that in the coming years, the EU has to be prepared for enlargement—through reforms, budget adjustments, and strengthened governance.
He assessed that the EU is not a closed club, adding that the accession paths of the Western Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine are not just promises.
“Enlargement will not be easy. But it will be worth it. It is the best investment we can make — to reconcile nations and histories, and to build a more united continent. We will continue to work with all accession partners and take advantage of this positive momentum on enlargement,” Costa said.
According to him, the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is a potential game changer—offering financial support and incentives for reforms, regional cooperation, and economic integration.
“We must not lose this momentum. All leaders must do their part. All parties must take responsibility. Because this is not about geography. It is about values—democracy, human rights, freedom and the rule of law,” the President of the European Council said.
On the margins of the conference, Commissioner Kos attended a working brunch hosted by the Prime Minister of Slovenia, Robert Golob, together with the High Representative/Vice-President, Kaja Kallas, as well as Commissioner Lahbib and Sikela. She also met the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel.
Commissioner Kos had meetings with leading Slovenian businesses and the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce to discuss business opportunities in light of Ukraine’s reconstruction and the Western Balkans partners’ gradual integration into the Single Market.
Finally, Marta Kos met young leaders from Bosnia and Herzegovina and heard their views on the country’s future and its European path.
Speaking at a panel alongside the Prime Ministers of Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania, Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos stated that enlargement remains a priority for the European Commission, announcing that Albania will open two more clusters this year.
“If we finish the technical part of the accession negotiations in 2026, then in 2028 we could get Montenegro as the 28th member of the EU. Albania could join as the 29th member in 2029,” Kos stated.
But she underlined that there must be no shortcuts and added that candidate countries have to deliver in reforms.
“Rule of law, human rights, fight against corruption, and free media are non-negotiable. All this has to be fulfilled,” Kos said.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković is not sure that enlargement is truly a priority in the EU, underlining that the main point of enlargement is preparation and a critical amount of public support.
Speaking about the situation in the Western Balkans, Plenković assessed that countries have to achieve political stabilization.
“You have North Macedonia, which is blocked. You have Serbia, with more than two years of the largest, strongest, and most serious internal unrest and demonstrations. You have BiH with Dodik dragging on the question of separation or no separation for years, and suddenly, he’s out,” Plenković said.
Comments: Alongside the general comments of António Costa about the place of the Western Balkans in the continent of Europe, comes the hyper-optimistic statement of Marta Kos regarding the EU’s enlargement to Montenegro in 2028 and to Albania in 2029. Of course, this comes with certain conditions for the implementation of reforms, etc. Both high-ranking EU officials seem to avoid the topic of the other countries in the Western Balkans.
Instead, however, the Croatian Prime Minister Plenković briefly and clearly emphasized the blockade of North Macedonia, the problems of BiH with Milorad Dodik, and the stagnation of Serbia due to its dualistic geopolitical orientation.
