Security cooperation at heart of European defence during EU-Western Balkans Summit

The summit meeting between the EU and Western Balkans on 5 June 2026 in Tivat, Montenegro underlines the importance of this partnership to the security of Europe. The meeting demonstrates the unequivocal commitment to the EU membership perspective of the Western Balkans.

The partnership between the EU and Western Balkans has never been stronger. The Western Balkans’ cooperation and alignment to the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) is key to defending our shared values. 

Both parties are taking concrete steps to maintaining peace and fighting crime and terrorism. By supporting EU’s international sanctions, the Western Balkans partners contribute to making these measures more effective and demonstrate a shared strategic orientation. Cooperation with the European Peace Facility (EPF) helps modernise the armed services of our partners. 

The EU also supports security missions on the ground, including EUFOR Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which helps maintain a safe and secure environment, and EULEX in Kosovo, which works to improve law enforcement and justice. 

With cooperation on cybersecurity, training and security arrangements, the Western Balkans will be at the heart of European security going forward. 

Towards EU membership

Taking place in the historical town of Tivat on Boka Bay, the Summit will also mark the 20th anniversary of Montenegro’s independence amid the country’s growing momentum towards EU membership.

What is the EU-Western Balkans Summit?

The EU-Western Balkans Summit is the most important annual high-level meeting between the European Union and the six Western Balkans partners — Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. The summit serves to strengthen political, economic, security and social ties between the EU and the Western Balkans.