Leaders from Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans joined Euronews at a historic summit in Brussels aimed at advancing their bids to join the European Union at a critical geopolitical moment.

European Council President António Costa, in his keynote address, emphasized that the EU’s enlargement is “the best investment in the future of the region.”

“From the very first days of my mandate, I have made enlargement one of my top priorities. It is a priority in which I deeply believe. And the current geopolitical context makes this priority even more urgent and necessary for the European Union,” said António Costa during his speech at the EU Enlargement Summit hosted by Euronews.

He added:

“A larger European Union means a safer, stronger, and more peaceful Europe — both at home and globally. Enlargement is the best investment we can make today for our future.”

Costa also expressed optimism about the progress of Western Balkan countries, saying:

“I believe that Montenegro could become the 28th member of the European Union in 2028.”

The European Council President also praised Albania’s progress on its path toward EU membership.

“Montenegro has made the greatest progress, and its ambition to conclude negotiations by the end of 2026 seems credible if it continues with the same commitment and intensive work on the required reforms. Albania has achieved significant progress on its accession path,” Costa stated.