"All six Western Balkan states hope to join the EU, though it is unclear exactly when this might happen. Croatia was the last country to join the bloc in 2013. Countries in this region are working towards this goal at different speeds: While Montenegro, for example, is deemed to have a good chance of soon joining the EU, things look less promising for Serbia due to its pro-Russian politics and increasingly authoritarian government."
"Serbians have been protesting almost non-stop against President Aleksandar Vucic's government since a train station roof collapsed in Novi Sad, northern Serbia, in November 2024 killing 15 people then, with another person dying of their injuries in 2025. The Serbian opposition and protesters are calling for fresh elections, althrough Vucic rejects this demand and has allowed security forces to brutally crack down on demonstrations."
Ursula von der Leyen visited Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo and North Macedonia in just under three days. All six Western Balkan states aim to join the EU, but accession timelines remain uncertain and progress varies by country. Montenegro is seen as having relatively strong prospects, while Serbia faces setbacks linked to pro-Russian politics and an increasingly authoritarian government. Massive protests followed a Novi Sad train station roof collapse in November 2024 that killed 15 people, with another death in 2025. European parties and civil society urged stronger EU pressure on Serbia over repression and press freedom.
Read at www.dw.com
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