EU offers 6 billion euros to Balkan nations for political reforms

European Union leaders will meet their Balkan counterparts in Montenegro on Friday to unlock a six-billion-euro investment package.

Brussels says Balkan governments must reform their courts and economies before they can receive any cash.

The summit comes as the EU tries to counter Russian and Chinese influence in southeastern Europe.

The bloc also plans to fund local militaries and deploy cybersecurity tools to block foreign disinformation campaigns.

Montenegro and Albania have made progress toward joining the bloc, while Serbia must normalise relations with Kosovo to advance.