Western Balkans
Coverage of Western Balkans in the Nexus archive.
- UK-funded drones have helped intercept hundreds of migrants and smugglers crossing into Europe through the Western Balkans
UK-funded drones have intercepted hundreds of migrants and smugglers attempting to cross into Europe through the Western Balkans. The drones are part of efforts to monitor and disrupt illegal migration routes in the region.
- Hungary hits pause on EU membership bids of Ukraine, Moldova
Hungary delayed a key procedural step for Ukraine and Moldova's EU membership bids by opposing a joint letter required for the process. The move aligns with Prime Minister Péter Magyar's cautious stance toward Ukraine's accession, despite previously supporting the opening of the first negotiating cluster.
- The Trojan Horse dilemma
The article discusses the EU’s relationship with China and the Western Balkans, highlighting Beijing’s growing influence in Montenegro and Serbia. It references Chinese President Xi Jinping and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
- Fresh Impetus for EU Enlargement?
EU accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova will begin following Hungary's removal of its blockade, while Western Balkan enlargement could also accelerate. Analysts note Ukraine's strategic importance for European defense but caution that EU membership will require years of reforms, political stability, and unanimous approval from all member states.
- Germany’s Merz says EU to initiate integration of Western Balkans
Germany’s Merz states the EU will initiate integration of Western Balkans. Six Western Balkan nations, alongside Ukraine and Moldova, aim to join the European Union.
- EU must prove it is capable and willing to take in new members, leaders say
EU leaders emphasize the need to demonstrate capability and willingness to expand, urging a faster and more credible enlargement process. Discussions took place at a summit in Montenegro with Western Balkan countries seeking EU membership.
- ‘Three things you can’t predict: God, sex and the EU,’ says Rama
Albanian leader Rama stated that three things cannot be predicted: God, sex, and the EU. He urged the EU to keep Western Balkan 'kids all together'.
- EU seeking ways to speed up Western Balkans membership
European Council President Antonio Costa stated that new methods are needed to accelerate Western Balkans membership in the EU. His remarks precede an upcoming summit in Montenegro.
- EU pitches cheaper roaming to Western Balkans ahead of summit
The EU is proposing cheaper roaming charges for the Western Balkans ahead of a summit. The move comes amid calls to reevaluate the bloc's membership model.
- Hungary Pushes to Revive Visegrad Four, Eyes Wider Central European Alliance
Hungary's Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced plans to revive the Visegrad Four alliance and expand it to include Austria, Romania, and Western Balkan states. Magyar met with Donald Tusk in Warsaw to discuss rebuilding regional cooperation on energy security and strengthening EU influence amid internal bloc divisions.
- Montenegro at 20: EU ambitions and Serbian ties
Montenegro marks its 20th anniversary since seceding from Serbia and is positioned as a leading Western Balkan candidate for EU membership. However, the country continues to struggle with corruption, internal divisions, and political influence from Serbia.