EU-Western Balkans summit, held on Wednesday 17 December, confirmed interest in a strategic partnership between the EU and the Western Balkans. The joint declaration emphasizes the importance of EU enlargement in the context of tense geopolitical situation and Russia’s aggression. However, countries seeking EU membership must intensify their internal reforms.
The European Union was represented at the meeting by Council President António Costa and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, also attended the meeting. Politicians discussed various areas of cooperation including foreign affairs, defense, security, and participation in the EU single market.
Geopolitical perspective crucial: President Costa
Council President António Costa stressed that the Union firmly supports the Western Balkans’ future in the EU. “Enlargement remains central to our shared objectives,” Mr Costa said in a statement. He stressed the geopolitical perspective of EU enlargement. “An enlarged European Union means a safer, stronger and more peaceful Europe,” Council President said.
An enlarged European Union means a safer, stronger and more peaceful Europe. – António Costa, Council President
According to Mr Costa, enlargement strengthens shared prosperity and every previous enlargement has proven this. “The European Union is an attractive and credible project—and we must deliver on the expectations it creates. Enlargement is now moving faster than it has in the last 15 years, we must seize this opportunity,” António Costa stressed.
Of the Western Balkan countries seeking EU membership, Mr Costa highlighted the progress made by Montenegro and Albania in particular. Serbia, on the other hand, was not mentioned.
Brussels Declaration
A declaration titled “Brussels Declaration” was issued at the end of the EU-Western Balkanssummit. All attending partners from the region have to align with it.
The document states that accelerating the accession process of Balkan countries to the EU is in the common interest of both parties. “Enlargement is a geostrategic investment in peace, security, stability, and prosperity,” the document reads. According to the declaration, countries seeking EU membership must intensify their reform efforts. At the same time, the European Union must intensify its internal preparations and reforms.
