EU Expansion Urged as Montenegro Faces Political Challenges

During a recent address at the 2BS Forum, Marjan Šarec, the permanent rapporteur of the European Parliament for Montenegro, emphasized the urgent need for the European Union (EU) to expand its membership. He stated that the EU currently stands on “very weak foundations,” and without new members, its stability could be jeopardized.

Šarec pointed to the ongoing challenges faced by the EU in integrating new countries, specifically highlighting the situation with North Macedonia. He remarked, “We must not repeat the mistakes we made with North Macedonia. We must be aware that this is a process that requires significant effort.” His comments reflect a growing concern that the EU’s enlargement process has stalled and that without tangible results, public confidence in the Union may diminish.

The rapporteur criticized the EU for focusing too much on discussions while failing to produce concrete outcomes. “North Macedonia has completed its homework but has received nothing in return,” he said, underscoring the frustration felt by countries that have made considerable progress in their accession efforts.

Further commenting on the political landscape, Šarec noted that Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, is currently facing significant challenges domestically. He warned that Montenegro could become a “collateral victim” of these issues if not addressed promptly. “Montenegro needs to be more active in convincing EU citizens of its merits,” Šarec added, highlighting the importance of public support in the accession process.

The discussion at the 2BS Forum underscores the critical juncture the EU finds itself at regarding its enlargement strategy. As the Union grapples with internal and external pressures, the call for more cohesive support for aspiring member states becomes increasingly vital. The future of Montenegro’s EU aspirations hinges on the ability of both local leaders and EU officials to navigate these challenges effectively.

As the dialogue around EU expansion continues, the stakes remain high for countries like Montenegro that seek integration while confronting complex political landscapes both regionally and in the EU itself.