Montenegro is leading the race for accession to the European Union among the Western Balkans countries, according to sources contacted by Euronews. The country has been making consistent progress in the European integration process, positioning itself as the most advanced candidate in the region.
Serbia may try to block Montenegro's accession process, according to officials heard by Euronews. Belgrade intends to protect its own sphere of influence in the Western Balkans, preventing a neighbor's success from complicating its political position in the region.
Furthermore, Serbia wants to avoid uncomfortable questions about its own pace of progress in the EU accession process. The country has faced criticism regarding its track record on democratic reforms and alignment with European foreign policy, particularly regarding sanctions against Russia.
The blocking of Montenegro's process by Serbia could have broader implications for regional stability and for the EU's Enlargement Strategy itself, which seeks to integrate the Western Balkans countries as a way to consolidate peace and prosperity in Europe.
