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News: European Council President António Costa’s Tour of the Western Balkans

16 May 2025

The tour of the six Western Balkans countries by European Council President António Costa has concluded. The President praised the progress made by Montenegro and Albania in their European integration efforts, calling Montenegro “one of the best examples of the EU’s positive momentum towards enlargement” and Albania as “the embodiment” of the EU enlargement process. Costa also commented on the recent electoral success of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, calling it “impressive” and stating that “the result of this week’s elections has once again confirmed the will of the Albanian people to integrate into the EU.”

The President also commended the "excellent work" done by North Macedonia’s government on its reform agenda and the progress made, especially in aligning with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). Costa further emphasized that "both North Macedonia and Bulgaria must implement the contents of the 2022 agreement."

Costa’s approach to Serbia, however, was criticized. He maintained a conciliatory stance towards Serbia, urging the country to continue with reforms, without mentioning the recent protests or the alleged violations of the rule of law ongoing in Belgrade. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić reiterated Serbia’s commitment to becoming an EU member.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Costa stressed the need to implement the required reforms “to ensure that Bosnia remains on the path to EU membership.” Due to the failure to approve two judicial system laws, the appointment of a chief negotiator, and the reform agenda, Bosnia is the only country not benefiting from the EU’s Western Balkans Growth Plan. Costa also expressed concern about what he described as "the divisive actions of the Republika Srpska," labeling them a threat to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s stability and its European future.

In Kosovo, Costa reiterated the importance of the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue for EU integration, urging the country to honor its commitments made with the EU.