Albania and Montenegro could become members of the European Union (EU) before other candidate countries, said the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa.
He said this in an interview with Euronews, ahead of his visit to the Western Balkan countries.
Košta emphasized that enlargement to the Western Balkans is once again one of the EU's priorities, stating that the future stability and prosperity of the continent depend on enlargement.
Commenting on possible dates for expansion and stating that it could be 2030, Košta said that there is no fixed date.
"Why 2030 and why not sooner," Košta asked.
He stressed that accession is a merit-based process.
"If countries implement reforms, they could join the EU even before 2030," said Košta.
According to him, it is precisely the merits that can be changed.
"Albania and Montenegro are clearly more advanced than other countries," said Košta.
He pointed to Russia's war in Ukraine and the renewed rise in tensions in the Western Balkans, especially when it comes to Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also tensions between Serbia and Kosovo.
"I know of no better incentive to overcome conflicts that are still open than this perhaps unique opportunity, which is EU membership," said Košta.
Košta will arrive on an official visit to Montenegro on May 14th.
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