Greece supports the enlargement process and the European perspective of the Western Balkans, as a strategic investment in peace, stability and security in the region, say government sources ahead of tonight’s EU-Western Balkans Summit in Brussels. The same persons remind that this fixed position of the Greek side is accompanied by the well-known sectarianism, as long as the candidate countries fulfill the conditions and implement the required reforms, a difficult and painful process, which depends on the performances of the candidate countries themselves.

During his speech tonight, the prime minister is expected to make special reference to Serbia and the need to send a positive signal towards its European direction, as, despite its shortcomings, it has recently demonstrated a commitment to the goal of European integration, as from 2021 it has not new accession chapters have been opened for Serbia. In addition and according to the same sources, Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to underline Serbia’s crucial role in the region and to issue a warning that the downgrading of its European perspective simply leaves the doors open to third parties, who are waiting for this opportunity to exert influence on Serbia and negatively affect stability in the entire region. He will also emphasize that Serbia’s European orientation is a geopolitical necessity, as well as that Serbia’s connection to Europe strengthens the stability of the entire region, arguments he has developed in a related letter addressed to EU leaders and its President European Council, Antonio Costa.

According to the European Council, the Ukrainian issue is expected to be discussed tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, with the prime minister repeating the need to continue supporting Ukraine, in order not to be in a position of weakness, whenever the peace talks begin. As far as the Middle East is concerned, and especially on the subject of Syria, Athens’ position is to support the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria and an inclusive future that will ensure all religious minorities and ethnic groups in Syria . In fact, Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to underline that the European Union cannot be absent from the developments in the Middle East and from the next day in Syria, as there are security risks and increased refugee flows. In addition, the prime minister is expected to inform his European partners about his visit to Lebanon, as he was the first European leader to visit the country after the truce reached on November 27 with Israel, but also to emphasize that the EU must support the Lebanese state institutions and the effective implementation of the ceasefire.