Event News Social Democratic Politics and Values Friends of the Western Balkans in Podgorica 10.06.2026 Reaffirming enlargement as a matter of political will, reform credibility, and regional cooperation On the week of the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, Montenegro, the ninth meeting of the Friends of the Western Balkans (FoWB) took place in Podgorica, bringing together members of the European Parliament, representatives of national parliaments from the social democratic family, political foundations, and a broad network of experts. The meeting focused on regional cooperation in the Western Balkans and its role in the EU enlargement process. Discussions also covered the current state of EU enlargement policy and ongoing debates on possible revisions of the enlargement methodology. Further topics included the implications of recent political developments in Hungary for the enlargement process, as well as the challenges and opportunities of the Just Transition in the Western Balkans in relation to the EU Green Agenda. The conference was organised by the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) in cooperation with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), together with a range of partner foundations and organisations, within the framework of the FEPS Enlargement Programme. It was preceded by the S&D Willy Brandt Programme conference. The Friends of the Western Balkans also adopted a joint statement following the meeting. Read the full statement here.
