EU says Albania and Montenegro close to membership goal

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has singled out Albania and Montenegro as the Western Balkan countries closest to their EU membership goal.

Speaking before the EU-Western Balkans summit in Tivat, she said both countries were making strong progress.

Von der Leyen said the EU was opening its doors, but candidate countries still had to complete reforms.

She called for the enlargement process to become faster, more credible and more visible to citizens.

The EU argues that enlargement would bring more security, investment and progress to the region.