Merz and Macron push for faster EU expansion, Germany seeks UN Security Council seat

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron are pushing for faster EU enlargement, aiming to make it easier for Western Balkan countries to join the bloc. At an EU-Western Balkans summit, they discussed speeding up the process, with some reports suggesting a possible target date of 2028.

Separately, Merz announced that Germany will apply for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2035-2036 term. He said the goal is to avoid a contested vote and to secure broad support. The announcements came during a visit to the region, where Merz also met with North Macedonian officials.