“The destiny of the countries of the Western Balkans lies in the EU,” said the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, shortly after the end of the work of the fourth (within four years) EU-Western Balkans Summit in Brussels.

In the EU-Western Balkans joint declaration, “the perspective of the six countries of the region’s accession is reaffirmed”, emphasized S. Michel, as well as the commitment of these countries to proceed with the necessary reforms to speed up their accession process. Included in these reforms is a clear road map for progress in respect for the rule of law. “The integration will take place gradually”, as they wish to strengthen our cooperation in all areas, added the president of the European Council.

As far as the economy is concerned, particular importance is given to cooperation in the energy sector, in the face of Russian blackmail, while in the Common European and Security Policy of the EU (CFSP), the EU asks the countries of the Western Balkans to make greater efforts in what about avoiding the circumvention of sanctions against Russia. “It is important to speak with one voice and do everything to protect the security of the region,” Charles Michel stressed, underlining the need for greater cooperation in the field of immigration, but also to combat disinformation, hybrid threats and cyber-attacks . The president of the European Council emphasized that the European project is based on “reconciliation” and the common will to build a stable and peaceful future for the region.

For her part, the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, emphasized that a “constructive” discussion took place on the basis of the Commission’s progress reports published last November, which will form the basis for tomorrow’s discussion at the Summit on the issue of Enlargement. She reminded that the EU requests the start of accession negotiations “as soon as possible” with Albania and North Macedonia, while for Bosnia-Herzegovina negotiations will begin as soon as the criteria are sufficiently met. For Montenegro there is a “new momentum” with the new government, which is expected to put the country’s accession path back on track. For Serbia and Kosovo, the accession path depends on the observance of the commitments in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and the implementation of the agreements.

On an economic level, Ursula von der Leyen made special reference to the new development plan for the Western Balkans, which, with a budget of 6 billion euros for the period 2024-2027, is designed to bring the countries of the Western Balkans closer to the European single market, increase the region’s integration into the European economy, speed up fundamental reforms aimed at EU membership and increase pre-accession resources. The president of the Commission also referred to the economic and investment aid package for the region, amounting to 30 billion euros for six years, of which 17 billion euros have already been released. Finally, for young people, he mentioned the new College of Europe inaugurated in Tirana, in which 500 students have already registered to study next year.