Taoiseach to discuss western Balkans' EU integration

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is attending the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Montenegro today, where discussions will be held on the potential accession of six countries in the region into the European Union.

Mr Martin will this morning join EU leaders in the coastal town of Tivat and those of the six countries of the western Balkans.

These are: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.

The theme of the meeting is "shared prosperity and stability".

Discussions on how to integrate the countries from this region into the EU are high on the agenda.

Progressing the accession negotiations of today's host country Montenegro is something Ireland has committed to doing, during its EU presidency term in the second half of this year.

Mr Martin attended a dinner hosted by Montenegro last night to mark 20 years since it regained independence.

Speaking ahead of today's summit, Mr Martin said at a time of increased geopolitical tension, it is more important than ever for neighbours to work closely together.

He also pledged support for EU enlargement, adding that every European country deserves the same opportunity as Ireland received more than 50 years ago, provided that they meet the agreed rules.