EU leaders met with Western Balkan countries to discuss their path towards EU membership at the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Brussels. Council President Charles Michel reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to the region’s integration and cooperation, aiming to bring them closer to the EU regardless of the final enlargement decision.

The EU plans to start negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia soon, contingent upon Bosnia and Herzegovina meeting criteria. Montenegro’s new government shows renewed interest in EU membership, while Kosovo and Serbia are urged to fulfill commitments for dialogue. There’s optimism over progress made, notably the decreased tensions in Northern Kosovo and steps taken for local elections.