After meetings between EU leaders and leaders of Western Balkan countries, Merz stated that the EU plans to initiate a step-by-step integration process for the six Western Balkan nations seeking EU membership. These Western Balkan countries include Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo (not recognized as independent by China, though most European countries do recognize it), North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia. Speaking upon her arrival at the summit, von der Leyen said: "We need to make the enlargement process faster and more credible." France and Germany used this meeting to promote the concept of "step-by-step integration" into the EU. The process of joining the EU is typically long and complex, requiring years of negotiations and legal reforms, with each step needing approval from all 27 current member states. Currently, five EU member states still do not recognize Kosovo's independence, making its accession even more challenging.
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Original article: toutiao.com/article/1867218000066634/
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