EU Enlargement Stalled for Western Balkans Six Two Decades After Promise (euobserver.com)

• Montenegro closest to membership, aiming for 2028 but likely early 2030s
• Corruption and democratic backsliding persist across the region
• Alternative integration models proposed to break deadlock

"The EU promised Western Balkan countries membership in 2003, but none have joined since Croatia in 2013. Democratic backsliding, corruption, and slow reforms hinder progress. Montenegro is closest, aiming for 2028, but early 2030s is more realistic. Alternative models like 'operational integration' and 'associated countries' are being discussed. Geopolitical risks from Russia and China influence the region."