The Institute of Europe assessed the chances of EU enlargement at the expense of Montenegro

Date: October 17, 2023

Montenegro, located on the beautiful Adriatic coast, is becoming the center of attention in the context of the enlargement of the European Union. The Institute of Europe recently assessed the outcomes of this process and came to interesting conclusions.

Montenegro leads the fight for EU membership
The Institute of Europe, specializing in the analysis of the processes of integration into the European Union, conducted a comprehensive study of the prospects for EU enlargement at the expense of the Balkan countries. According to their analysis, Montenegro has the best chances among the countries of the Western Balkans to join the EU in the next five years.

Experts emphasize that although the assessment of readiness for EU membership is always subjective and depends on many factors, including political will and the implementation of negotiating recommendations, Montenegro has demonstrated outstanding consistency in striving for this goal. This factor makes it a leader in the race for EU membership.

The difficult path to membership
The main challenge for the countries of the Western Balkans is the difficult process of achieving EU membership. This process involves a lot of negotiations, adaptations and approvals with the norms and standards of the European Union. The assessment of a country's readiness also remains subjective, and sometimes it depends on political factors, which makes this path more confusing.

Five Western Balkan countries have candidate status
At the moment, five countries of the Western Balkans have the status of a candidate for EU membership: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro. It should also be noted that Kosovo, a partially recognized state, applied for EU membership in December 2022.

Conclusion
Montenegro shows the greatest desire and consistency in the path to EU membership among the countries of the Western Balkans. Despite some internal political and economic difficulties, experts believe that this country has the best chances of joining the EU in the next five years. However, it is important to remember that the path to EU membership remains difficult and depends on many factors, and this process will continue.