EDS Calls for EU Enlargement by 2030 at Council Meeting in Podgorica; Highlights Montenegro as Frontrunner

PODGORICA, MONTENEGRO – The European Democrat Students (EDS) successfully concluded  Council Meeting in Podgorica, bringing together over 70 delegates from 27 countries to discuss the future of Europe. Hosted in cooperation with The Youth of Europe, the youth wing of the Europe Now! Movement Montenegro, the event reaffirmed the organization's commitment to a united European family.

Held from November 27th to 30th, 2025, the Council Meeting focused heavily on the geopolitical imperative of integrating the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova into the European Union.

A Historic Resolution: The "2030 Vision"

The centerpiece of the Council Meeting was the adoption of the resolution titled "A United Europe in Divided Times: Accelerating the Accession of the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova".

Recognizing that the war in Ukraine has ended the era of "enlargement fatigue" and made integration a vital security interest, the EDS delegates unanimously called for a clear timeline. The resolution urges the European Commission and Council to officially endorse 2030 as the target date for the next wave of enlargement.

Key points of the adopted resolution include:

• Staged Accession: Moving away from an "all-or-nothing" approach, EDS advocates for candidates to gradually integrate into the Single Market as they close negotiation chapters.

• Security and Solidarity: The resolution highlights that a larger Union is a stronger Union, essential for preventing authoritarian regimes from weaponizing instability in the "gray zone" between the EU and Russia.

• Strict Fundamentals: While advocating for speed, EDS emphasized that there are no shortcuts regarding the Rule of Law, urging candidate states to prioritize the fight against corruption and judicial independence.

Montenegro as the Frontrunner: Aiming for 2028

While 2030 was established as the overarching target for the region, the Council Meeting in Podgorica placed a special spotlight on the host nation. Discussions highlighted Montenegro’s status as the absolute frontrunner in the accession process.

With the current pace of reforms and the closing of negotiation chapters, it was emphasized that Montenegro could potentially become a full EU member state as early as 2028, serving as a trailblazer for the rest of the region. This sentiment was echoed during high-level panels featuring key figures such as Maida Gorčević, Minister of European Affairs, and Predrag Zenović, Montenegro’s Chief Negotiator with the EU.

High-Level Dialogue and Expert Panels

The program offered delegates a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities facing the region. The event opened with welcome remarks from EDS Chairman Francesco Sismondini and Tamara Crnogorčić (President of The Youth of Europe).

The academic program featured several key panels:

• The Next Wave of Enlargement: Vasilije Čarapić (Head of the MP Group Europe Now) and Biljana Papović (State Secretary, Ministry of European Affairs) discussed why the Western Balkans are crucial for the EU’s future.

• Lessons from New Members: Delegates heard practical insights on the transition from candidate to member state from speakers including Predrag Zenović, Montenegro’s Chief Negotiator with the EU, and Jovan Subotić, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on European Integration.

• Innovation and Society: Sessions also covered "Smart Europe" and digital transformation, as well as a critical panel on "Building a Europe Free from Gender-Based Violence," featuring messages from Greek Minister Domna Michailidou and MEP Eleonora Meleti.

The delegates also had the privilege of a guided visit to the Parliament of Montenegro, gaining direct insight into the nation's legislative process.

Launch of the New BullsEye Magazine

During the Council Meeting, EDS also proudly presented the latest edition of its flagship publication, BullsEye Magazine. The new issue features articles and analysis from our members, covering the most pressing political topics in Europe today.

You can read the full magazine at the link below: HERE

A Union from Lisbon to Luhansk

The Council Meeting in Podgorica served as a powerful symbol, held in the heart of the Western Balkans where the desire to reunite with the European family is palpable.

By adopting this roadmap, EDS declared that "the future of Europe lies in its unity". The organization envisions a Union by 2030 that stretches "from Lisbon to Luhansk and from Dublin to Podgorica," grounded in peace, democracy, and unshakeable solidarity