EPP holds EU Enlargement Study Visit in Montenegro

18. March 2025

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Leaders and delegates from EPP’s Western Balkans member parties gathered in Podgorica, Montenegro on 17-18 March to discuss the prospect of EU enlargement in the region. The event, “EPP EU-Enlargement Study Visit: EPP Family in the Western Balkan Region”, was co-chaired by EPP President Manfred WEBER and Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro Ervin IBRAHIMOVIĆ from our associate member party Bošnjačka stranka (BS). During the two days of the study visit, participants engaged in stimulating debates on the next steps and the prospect of EU’s enlargement to the six countries of the Western Balkan region. Twenty years since the Union’s biggest enlargement with 10 member states, the process has entered a new phase and momentum since Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine in 2022. There is today a revived consensus on the need for gradual, but swift, integration of the countries of the Western Balkan region in the EU. Their integration has become a geopolitical necessity, and it will guarantee stability, security and prosperity both for the region and for the Union as a whole. EPP President Weber emphasized during his intervention that “the EPP remains a key supporter and a driver of the EU enlargement process, based on merit and our European way of life. It is our strong belief that enlargement will enhance our Union's stability and security, also offering prosperity to the people of our Western Balkan partners”. Echoing the same message, Deputy Prime Minister and BS President Ervin Ibrahimović said that the EU’s enlargement is a shared goal and a strategic interest. “It is no longer a question of if, but when. The Western Balkans must move forward toward EU membership to ensure long-term stability and security in the region. We have a historic chance to finish the consolidation and long-term stability of this part of Europe. Montenegro is ready to take its place as a responsible and integral EU member”.  


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For more information contact:

 

Alexandra Henman

Deputy Spokesperson

+32 471 90 76 84

alh@epp.eu

 

Angelos Athanasopoulos

National and Regional Press Director

+32 471 90 76 35

aa@epp.eu

 

Other latest news:

EPP Congress elects new Presidency members
Manfred Weber re-elected as EPP President
EPP Congress in Valencia on 29-30 April – List of Speakers
Back to all news