The European Union has developed a policy to support the gradual integration of the Western Balkan countries with the EU. On 1 July 2013, Croatia became the first of the seven countries to join, and Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia have candidate country status. Accession negotiations and chapters have been opened with Albania, Montenegro and Serbia. Negotiations were opened with North Macedonia in July 2022 and with Bosnia and Herzegovina in March 2024. Kosovo submitted its application for EU membership in December 2022. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP Read more