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EU Launches Balkan Market Access Plan, Montenegro Eyes 2028 Membership

6/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

EU leaders gathered in Tivat, Montenegro, to launch a Franco-German initiative granting Western Balkan candidates EU market access and observer status.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the incentives aim to deter Balkan links with Russia and China and propose associate membership for Ukraine.
President Jakov Milatovic said Montenegro targets EU membership by 2028 with 80 % public backing.
EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos said talks with Montenegro could end by late 2026.

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Story summary

EU leaders gathered in Tivat, Montenegro, to launch a Franco-German initiative granting Western Balkan candidates EU market access and observer status.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the incentives aim to deter Balkan links with Russia and China and propose associate membership for Ukraine.
President Jakov Milatovic said Montenegro targets EU membership by 2028 with 80 % public backing.
EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos said talks with Montenegro could end by late 2026.