EU leaders support faster path for Western Balkans

EU leaders have supported a Franco-German plan to bring Western Balkan countries closer to the bloc before full membership.

The proposal, discussed at a summit in Montenegro, would allow candidate countries to take part earlier in some EU meetings and programmes, but without voting rights.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the enlargement process had been too slow and needed clearer steps for each country.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the process would still depend on reforms, but should be faster and more predictable.

Montenegro and Albania are seen as the most advanced candidates in the region.

Merz also warned Serbia that it must choose clearly between Europe and its close ties with Russia and China.