BiEPAG published an analysis of the 2026 EU–Western Balkans Summit, examining the implications of the new Merz–Macron proposal on gradual integration and the future of EU enlargement. The analysis explores opportunities for deeper integration of candidate countries into EU policies and the Single Market before full membership, while also warning against rewarding limited reforms and weakening the credibility of the merit-based accession process. It highlights the importance of maintaining rule of law, democratic standards, and meaningful reforms as central conditions for enlargement. CSOs may find the analysis useful for understanding emerging debates on the future architecture of EU enlargement and its implications for the Western Balkans. Read more here.
Source: BiEPAG