EU Delays Risk Eroding Western Balkans Trust, Warns Slovak President Pellegrini

Pellegrini Urges Merit-Based EU Enlargement

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini has issued a stern warning that the European Union's persistent delays in its enlargement process risk undermining the trust of nations in the Western Balkans. Speaking during an official visit to Belgrade on December 21, 2025, Pellegrini emphasized that the EU is 'gambling with the trust of Western Balkan citizens' by allowing political considerations to overshadow merit-based progress in accession talks.

His remarks, made at a joint press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, highlighted concerns that postponing the opening of negotiation clusters for countries like Serbia represents 'a political game by some member states.' Pellegrini asserted that Slovakia firmly opposes introducing additional political conditions into accession talks, stressing that countries have a right to EU membership if they meet established criteria.

North Macedonia's Protracted Path to Accession

The Slovak President's concerns echo sentiments previously expressed during his visit to Skopje on October 15, 2025, where he specifically addressed the stalled progress of North Macedonia's EU accession. Pellegrini criticized the EU and indirectly targeted Bulgaria for blocking North Macedonia's path, stating that the enlargement process should not be used by individual states to resolve bilateral disputes.

North Macedonia obtained candidate status for EU membership in 2005, making it one of the longest-standing candidates. Despite significant reforms and concessions, including changing its name to resolve a dispute with Greece, its progress has been repeatedly hindered. The most recent hurdle involves a requirement for constitutional reform to recognize the Bulgarian minority, a condition stemming from a 'French proposal' in 2022 that allowed the formal start of accession talks.

Pellegrini noted that North Macedonia has undergone nearly two decades of negotiations and made numerous difficult concessions, yet still faces uncertainty regarding its European future. He warned that this situation 'gambles with the trust of the people' and erodes confidence in the EU's ability to deliver on its promises.

Broader Implications for EU Credibility and Stability

Pellegrini warned that prolonged delays could lead people in the Western Balkans to abandon the European perspective altogether. Such a development, he argued, would weaken the EU's long-term security and credibility.

The EU's enlargement process in the Western Balkans has faced challenges including 'enlargement fatigue' within the bloc, geopolitical complications, and unresolved bilateral issues among aspiring members. Countries in the region, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, have been involved in European integration for over two decades, with varying degrees of progress.

Slovakia, a firm supporter of Western Balkan integration, believes that advancing the enlargement process is a strategic goal for the EU's security and development. Pellegrini's statements underscore a growing concern that the EU's inconsistent approach risks alienating potential members and diminishing its influence in a strategically important region.