‘We have not delivered’: Germany’s Wadephul criticizes slow EU enlargement progress
Germany's foreign minister warns that Europe risks losing credibility in the Western Balkans.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has expressed frustration over the slow progress of EU enlargement for the Western Balkans, warning that the bloc's credibility and influence are at risk. Speaking at a meeting in Montenegro, Wadephul said, "We are at a crossroads with the EU enlargement process." He criticized the lengthy delay since the EU declared the Western Balkans eligible for membership in 2003, noting that former Chancellor Angela Merkel launched the Berlin Process in 2014 to expedite the process. However, 11 years later, Wadephul stated, "We have not delivered."
Wadephul also highlighted the presence of geopolitical rivals, Russia and China, seeking influence in the region. Austria's foreign minister echoed Wadephul's concerns, cautioning that Europe cannot afford to be bogged down in bureaucratic processes. Montenegro, which aims to become the EU's 28th member in 2028, is making progress but faces challenges.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos believes there is a realistic chance of Montenegro completing negotiations by the end of the year or early next year, though ratification would still take one to two years. Montenegro's Foreign Affairs Minister Ervin Ibrahimović acknowledged the government's efforts and emphasized that citizens should now reap the benefits of EU membership.
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