German Deputy Parliament Speaker Embarks on Rapid Balkan Tour Amid Shifting Geopolitical Alignments
Pristina, Kosovo – November 17, 2025 – German Deputy Parliament Speaker Johannes Wadephul concluded a six-nation tour of the Western Balkans today, a diplomatic sprint signaling berlin’s continued interest in the region’s European integration prospects. The whirlwind visit to Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo comes as Russia strengthens its influence in the area, raising concerns about the future of democratic progress and the potential for instability.
Wadephul’s journey, described by some observers as “speed dating” among potential EU candidates, underscores the complex geopolitical landscape of the Western Balkans. While the European Union has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to enlargement, progress has been slow, and several nations face important hurdles in meeting membership criteria. Together, Russia has actively courted allies in the region, offering economic and political support, and fueling anxieties about a potential shift away from Euro-Atlantic integration. The stakes are high: the stability and prosperity of the Western Balkans are crucial for the security of Europe,and the region’s future trajectory will have lasting implications for the continent’s geopolitical balance.
During his travels,Wadephul emphasized Germany’s support for the EU aspirations of the Western Balkan states. He visited German soldiers stationed in Kosovo and North Macedonia, offering words of encouragement and reaffirming Berlin’s commitment to regional security. “We are keeping an eye on all of you,” Wadephul stated, addressing the troops.
The tour also prompted questions about the feasibility of global EU accession within the region, especially given serbia’s increasingly close ties with Russia. The delicate balance between Western integration and Eastern partnership remains a central challenge for policymakers in the Balkans and beyond.
Troop visit to Kosovo
The Foreign Minister’s last stops: Visit to German soldiers in Kosovo and North Macedonia. We are keeping an eye on all of you, said Wadephul’s message. But one question remains on the trip: Will all of the Western Balkan states he visits really make it into the EU?