Merz’s proposal: We have left the Balkans behind, let’s bring them into the EU faster with innovative solutions
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed accelerating the EU accession process for Kosovo and other Western Balkan countries, as well as Moldova, through new approaches that would bring them closer to European institutions and the single market more quickly.
In a letter addressed to European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, seen by the European Western Balkans (EWB) portal, Merz stressed that EU enlargement is a geopolitical necessity, but that the current process is taking “far too long.”
He said the EU must remain committed to its promise that Western Balkan countries and Moldova can become members, and suggested “innovative solutions” for long-standing candidate countries to speed up accession.
Merz proposed granting these countries privileged access to the EU Single Market and closer involvement in EU decision-making, alongside gradual integration through cooperation clusters that would prepare them for full implementation of EU laws.
He also said this approach would bring candidate countries significantly closer to the EU and encourage further reforms.
Among Western Balkan countries, Kosovo is furthest along in the EU integration process. Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti submitted Kosovo’s membership application in 2022, but it has not yet received a response. Albania and Montenegro are considered the most advanced, followed by Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo.
In the same letter, Merz also addressed Ukraine, proposing an “associated membership” model as an intermediate step toward full EU membership.
He said Ukraine should eventually become a full EU member, but that the accession process is unlikely to be completed soon, urging “innovative solutions” to avoid further delays.
According to Merz, associated membership could allow Ukraine to participate in EU institutions without voting rights, gradually adopt EU legislation, and receive stronger security guarantees from member states.
The letter comes as EU enlargement discussions continue, with five member states recently proposing gradual integration of candidate countries into the single market to maintain momentum in the enlargement process.
