EU enlargement in the Western Balkans: Expectations and obstacles

euronews (in English)

Despite the progress made by some Western Balkan countries such as North Macedonia and Albania, challenges remain when it comes to EU accession, including unresolved issues such as the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and the need for structural reforms

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00:00 Montenegro's new government is building momentum towards joining the EU, the country's Europe

00:05 minister told Euronews.

00:07 Maida Gorsavic said there are encouraging signs across the political spectrum in Montenegro,

00:12 which has started much of the work required to join the EU.

00:15 It's one of the most likely next members of the bloc.

00:18 We are having new momentum, we are having new energy with the new government and this

00:21 is the first time after a couple of years that we are having also this political stability

00:26 when it comes also consensus over European integration.

00:29 So at this moment in the first 100 days of the government we showed that we had open

00:35 dialogue not only with the political majority but also with the opposition when it comes

00:40 to European path.

00:42 Despite progress made by some Western Balkan countries like North Macedonia and Albania,

00:47 challenges persist, including unresolved issues such as the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and

00:53 the need for structural reforms.

00:56 Compared to other countries we have also some additional hurdles which makes it more difficult

01:01 for us in this race that is supposed to be equal.

01:03 We are the only country that still doesn't have the candidate status, we still are struggling

01:08 with the recognition from five members of the EU.

01:14 While EU politicians have expressed support for enlargement, including initiatives like

01:18 the new growth plan for the Western Balkans, questions remain regarding the direction of

01:22 travel.

01:24 With the region of Western Balkans being outside of the European Union and I'm not sure if

01:30 on a long term EU, not the Western Balkans only, but EU can afford this.

01:38 The European Commission has recommended opening EU accession talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina

01:44 eight years after it applied to be a member.

01:48 The Commission's request is expected to be approved at the EU summit in Brussels this

01:53 week.

01:53 [LAUGHTER]

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