site.btaEU-Western Balkans Summit Focuses on Enlargement and Security

Preserving the merit-based approach to EU enlargement, accelerating the integration of the Western Balkans and strengthening regional security were among the key topics discussed at the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, Montenegro, attended by Prime Minister Rumen Radev on Friday.

The summit, held under the theme "Shared Prosperity and Stability of the European Union and the Western Balkans", brought together leaders of the EU and the Western Balkan countries. Discussions focused on EU enlargement, implementation of the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, and strengthening resilience against cyber threats, hybrid attacks and disinformation.

Ahead of the meeting, Radev said Bulgaria opposed compromising the principle that EU accession should be based on merit. He stressed that progress towards membership requires reforms in justice, the rule of law, human rights and good-neighbourly relations.

The Prime Minister said Bulgaria could support countries in the region by sharing its experience and helping strengthen their institutions. He welcomed Montenegro's progress towards EU membership and praised Albania's efforts on its European path.

Radev said Bulgaria remains a strong supporter of the enlargement process, describing it as an investment in security and in expanding the area of stability and prosperity in Europe. He argued that geopolitical challenges should not lead to a relaxation of the Copenhagen membership criteria.

Commenting on the war in Ukraine, Radev said greater efforts should be directed towards diplomacy, describing it as the most effective tool for resolving the conflict. He argued that military and economic measures alone could not deliver a solution and warned of increasing security risks.

On the sidelines of the summit, Radev exchanged remarks with regional and European leaders, including North Macedonia Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and French President Emmanuel Macron. He was also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten.

Following the plenary session, participating leaders posed for a family photo and attended a working lunch hosted by Montenegro President Jakov Milatovic and European Council President Antonio Costa.

Speaking ahead of the summit, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic reaffirmed that EU accession remained Serbia's strategic goal. He said Serbia would continue implementing reforms and expressed confidence that the Western Balkan countries could make further progress towards membership.

North Macedonia Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the sidelines of the forum. According to Mickoski, the discussions focused on the region, North Macedonia's European prospects and opportunities to strengthen cooperation with European partners.

The forum was chaired by European Council President Antonio Costa and hosted by Montenegro President Jakov Milatovic. Annual EU-Western Balkans summits have been held since 2018, with the previous meeting taking place in Brussels in December 2025.