EU Enlargement in Montenegro: EU and Western Balkans leaders wrapped up the summit in Tivat with a renewed push to speed up accession, with Montenegro highlighted as the frontrunner aiming to join by 2028; Gradual Integration Proposal: Germany and France backed a “gradual integration” model that could let candidates participate in EU formats and markets before full membership, while EU Council President António Costa urged simplifying the process by reducing decision stages; Serbia’s Strategic Choice: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told Serbia it must choose between Europe, Russia and China, and further progress depends on reforms and alignment with EU foreign and security policy; Ukraine Peace Diplomacy: Ukraine’s Zelensky proposed direct face-to-face talks with Putin, but Putin said there’s “no point” meeting until a long-term agreement is ready, as Macron, Merz and UK leaders plan a separate meeting with Zelensky in London to shape a peace framework; Local Industry & Infrastructure: France’s Macron pledged support for Montenegro’s EU bid and signed cooperation deals covering health, defense, infrastructure, finance and energy, including a €312m plan for a new Podgorica clinical center; Maritime Security: A maritime drone explosion in Romania’s Constanța port triggered evacuations and renewed concerns about spillover risks tied to the Ukraine war.