Kosovo, North Macedonia Could Advance EU Bid
European Council President António Costa said Western Balkan countries could progress toward membership by accelerating reforms.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Europe
António Costa, president of the European Council, said Kosovo, North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina could move toward EU membership by accelerating reforms. He made the remarks on November 3 at the 2026 Euronews EU Enlargement Summit.
Why it matters
Costa said developments in the region will be discussed at the fourth EU-Western Balkans summit in three weeks. The statements signal continued EU engagement with candidate countries in the Western Balkans.
Costa said Montenegro is nearing the conclusion of the accession process and could become the EU's 28th member by 2028. He said the EU is ready to help Serbia's new government on rule of law, media freedom and anti-corruption.
The players
António Costa
António Costa is the president of the European Council, the body that sets the EU's overall political direction.
European Council
The European Council is the EU institution composed of heads of state or government that defines the union's general political priorities.
The details
Costa said the future of all Western Balkan countries is in the European Union and that membership requires building trust, resolving disputes diplomatically and cooperating between countries. He added that enlargement must be fair, sustainable and merit-based, with candidate countries continuing democratic reforms. He congratulated Montenegro on progress in accession negotiations.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: Costa made the statements at the Euronews EU Enlargement Summit.
In about three weeks (late November 2026): Fourth EU-Western Balkans summit to discuss regional issues.
2028: Projected year Montenegro could become the EU's 28th member.
Travel Outlook
The Western Balkans have long been an EU enlargement priority, and the EU-Western Balkans summit series provides a recurring forum for these discussions. Montenegro's progress reflects the bloc's ongoing effort to bring candidate states closer to membership.
Travelers planning trips to the region should note that Montenegro's EU accession could change border and entry arrangements over the coming years. Those visiting Kosovo, North Macedonia or Bosnia and Herzegovina may see gradual reform-related changes, though no specific timeline was set.
The takeaway
EU accession for Western Balkan countries depends on domestic reforms and regional cooperation, and Montenegro is currently the furthest along. Readers following Europe travel should watch the late-November summit for updates.
What happens next
The fourth EU-Western Balkans summit is expected in about three weeks to discuss regional issues with Western Balkan leaders.
Further reading
For more on the region, see Europe travel coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Albeu.com - Lajmet e fundit dhe jo vetëm!.
