EU Enlargement at Crossroads as Montenegro Diplomat Warns of 'Black Hole'

Bojan Šarkić, a former Montenegro ambassador to the EU, warned that if Montenegro's accession is blocked in 2028, it could jeopardize Western Balkans enlargement and create a 'black hole' in Europe.

Šarkić said the EU's delay would send a negative signal to the region, reinforcing eurosceptic views and creating an environment favorable to Russian interference.

The European Commission is set to release annual reports on candidate countries, including the six Western Balkan states, Georgia, Moldova, Turkey, and Ukraine.

Šarkić highlighted that Russia has actively expanded its influence in the region while the EU has been slow to advance enlargement talks.

Recent events, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, have increased pressure on the EU to secure the Western Balkans and post-Soviet states against instability.

Despite challenges, the EU has accelerated Moldova and Ukraine's accession processes, while Armenia is also considering applying for membership in 2027 or 2028.