The survey shows growing optimism about EU integration and clearer expectations for economic reforms. On average, 64% of Western Balkan citizens support joining the EU – the highest level since 2015 and up 10 percentage points from last year.

Albania ranks first with 86% support, followed by Kosovo with 78%. In Serbia, only 42% of respondents back EU membership, while support stands at 59% in Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In Albania, 43% of citizens expect the country to join the EU by 2030, the highest share in the region, compared to a Western Balkan average of 26%. Across the region, 25% believe accession is possible by 2035.

“This year, citizens of the Western Balkans are sending a clear message: when real progress happens, confidence follows,” RCC Secretary General Amer Kapetanović said.

He noted that support for EU integration is at a record high, while trust in regional cooperation remains strong. “People recognize the value of practical results, from fewer barriers and lower costs to better connectivity and new opportunities for youth and businesses,” he said.

Optimism about the timeline for accession is also rising. Some 26% of respondents believe EU entry is possible by 2030, up from 20% last year, while another 25% see 2035 as achievable. Among young people, confidence is stronger: 71% say EU membership would improve the economy – the highest level in five years.

The Barometer also highlights key concerns. Rising prices and inflation are cited by 66% of respondents as the main problem, followed by the general economic situation (44%) and corruption (35%).

Still, trust in regional cooperation remains high. Some 64% of Western Balkan citizens believe regional initiatives can improve the economy, and businesses report tangible benefits from joint measures such as the abolition of roaming charges and the ability to travel using only ID cards.

Kapetanović said the findings come at an important moment ahead of next week’s EU-Western Balkans summit in Brussels. “The Barometer’s results can serve as a compass for the summit. People in the Western Balkans do not ask for miracles – they ask for results. They reward progress with trust. They believe in Europe when Europe believes in them,” he said.

The 2025 Western Balkans Barometer suggests the region is entering a new phase of optimism, with Albania standing out as the most pro-European country and expectations rising for faster, more effective integration into the EU.

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Bregu’s journey began in 2019 and her mission was to bring the Western Balkan countries closer together and connect them more closely with Europe.

“The effort to achieve concrete results and maintain the hope of EU integration, even when the word “enlargement” was in the shadow, was among the biggest challenges,” Bregu said.

Bregu listed some of the achievements during her term, including the elimination of roaming charges, a move that reduced phone charges with the EU by up to 97%; green corridors during the pandemic, a lifeline for regional trade and supply chains; recognition of diplomas and professions, a convenience for Western Balkan students and professionals.

At the same time, other achievements she mentioned were the Regional Common Market Plan, a step towards the EU Single Market; the first Green Agenda for the region, a concrete commitment to environmental protection; the platform for youth and women’s entrepreneurship, as well as the inclusion of younger generations and marginalized groups.

“This region has never been more aware of the significance of cooperation than today. In a world where uncertainty is the norm, cooperation remains essential,” said Bregu.

From January 1, 2025, Amer Kapetanović, a diplomat with 25 years of experience from Bosnia and Herzegovina, will take over the position. After six years as political director of the RCC, Kapetanović is expected to continue the vision of regional cooperation. /r.e//a.f/p.s./