Wadephul Advocates for Revitalizing EU Accession Talks with Western Balkan Nations

The EU accession process for Western Balkan countries, including Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo, has stalled significantly. To address this, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasizes the need to reinvigorate this process, positioning Croatia in a pivotal role.

During a meeting with Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman in Zagreb, Wadephul stated that a renewed momentum is essential for the enlargement of the EU, not only for the Western Balkans but also for Ukraine and Moldova. He expressed a desire for Croatia to take on an active and constructive role as a partner in this endeavor.

Among the Western Balkan nations, Montenegro is perceived to be the furthest along in its EU accession journey, yet no specific timeline for membership has been established. The EU has been engaged in accession negotiations with Montenegro since 2012 and with Serbia since 2014. The negotiation process for Albania and North Macedonia commenced in 2022, while Bosnia and Herzegovina holds candidate status but has yet to enter negotiations. Kosovo is identified as a potential candidate for future membership.

Wadephul underscored that the EU accession process is not merely a technical formality but also a matter of geopolitical significance. He emphasized the necessity of not allowing autocratic influences, characterized by misinformation and corruption, to dominate the region, implicitly referencing countries like Russia and China.

He further noted that alongside the enlargement process, internal EU reforms are crucial to ensure that the bloc can respond effectively to geopolitical challenges. Wadephul asserted Croatia's irreplaceable role in this expansion effort, highlighting the country's firsthand experiences with the accession process, which positions it as a bridge-builder for the Western Balkans. He remarked that Croatia's membership, achieved in mid-2013, is key to enhancing the EU's strength, unity, and influence.

In response, Radman confirmed Croatia's active participation in the EU negotiation process with the Western Balkan states, stressing the need to prevent external influences from undermining these nations. He warned against leaving the Western Balkans in a geopolitical void, asserting that the region is an integral part of Europe and should be geopolitically aligned with the EU.