Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia have all applied to join the EU, waiting for years during ongoing discussions. Offering pre-accession benefits to these countries is seen as a way to prevent disillusionment. According to two diplomats familiar with the talks, leaders also agreed that the EU accession process should be expedited.
European Council President António Costa was the first to publicly support the Franco-German plan. After Friday’s talks, he mentioned that reforms are being considered, indicating a need for swift completion of this merit-based process.
“It looks positive,” noted a senior EU official involved in the matter. “We need to understand the specific implications, listen to others, and build consensus.”
Montenegro, host of Friday’s summit, seeks to avoid the partial benefits categorization. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić stated that Montenegro had met all obligations for EU membership and aims to achieve full membership rights and duties.
Some countries want economic benefits promptly. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama supported a phased integration in January, acknowledging that the EU’s founding members are the decision-makers.
However, there are concerns that this move might create second-class countries subject to Brussels’ directives without adequate representation.
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