Germany’s Merz says EU to initiate integration of Western Balkans
Alongside Ukraine and Moldova, six Western Balkan nations wish to join the European Union.

Alongside Ukraine and Moldova, six Western Balkan nations wish to join the European Union.


![Greece's culture ministry on July 8, 2025, ordered a partial closure of the Acropolis, the country's top monument, to protect visitors amid heatwave conditions. [File: Louisa Gouliamaki/AFP]](/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/000_663Z4G3-1751972969.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)






Observers say that President Milo Djukanovic faces stiff challenge from newcomer and economist Jakov Milatovic.
If no presidential candidate secures more than 50 percent of votes, a second round of voting will take place next month.
Milo Djukanovic dissolves national assembly after PM-designate fails to form a government.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz makes appeal for unity at summit with regional leaders in Berlin.
A no-confidence vote has prompted the collapse of Montenegro’s government after just three and a half months in office.
MPs vote 50-1 against PM Abazovic’s government weeks after he signed pact regulating position of Serbian Church.
German chancellor promises to help the region reinvigorate their long-stalled membership campaign.
Several European countries prevent Lavrov’s plane from passing through their airspace, forcing him to cancel visit.
Close historic ties with Russia and deep internal divisions are undermining a unified national stance on the conflict.
Despite the positive noises made at the EU-Western Balkans summit in Slovenia, the EU enlargement process is in crisis.