At the Berlin Process summit in Milocer, Montenegro, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Thursday that Montenegro could realistically become the European Union’s 28th member by 2028. He urged Western Balkan countries to accelerate reforms and regional cooperation.
Speaking at the opening of the summit, Merz said that EU and regional leaders had made progress since last meeting in Tivat in June focused on the EU integration of the Western Balkans.
“Since we’ve met in Tivat in June, we have managed to get the enlargement process back on track, and you all know how difficult it used to be. But now we are on a positive path,” Merz said.
At a joint news conference with Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic later the same day, Merz offered a concrete timeline for Montenegro’s EU accession, by 2028.
“We believe that is realistic,” he said.
Merz stressed that the current push for gradual integration into the bloc must remain merit-based.
The idea of gradual EU integration is being pushed most prominently by France and Germany. It would give candidate countries some benefits of integration before full membership such as potentially including greater access to the EU single market, research and education programmes, and observer participation in some EU meetings, without voting rights.
Access would depend on progress with reforms and could be withdrawn if a country backtracked.
“Let me be clear – gradual integration is also merit-based. We as the EU have delivered, but the reforms and the political will must come from you,” he said at the summit’s opening.
Merz also urged Western Balkan countries to strengthen regional cooperation, arguing that economic integration would make the region more attractive to investors and prepare it for the EU single market.
“You will succeed in the EU only if you work together, and you are doing that,” he said. “Eight million people in one market are simply more interesting for investors than in six small ones.”
Commenting on efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, Merz stressed the importance of European involvement in negotiations.
“We all believe that lasting peace cannot be achieved without Europe. And every negotiating format that contributes to this goal is welcome,” he said.
Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic said enlargement was central to Europe’s security and unity, reaffirming Montenegro’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Europe must bring the same clarity of purpose to enlargement,” Spajic said, describing it as “a reunification of our continent” that would extend freedom, security and opportunity to Europeans still outside the bloc.