The leaders of the European Union and its member statesin collaboration with their partners Western Balkansthey ended up at Declaration of Brussels pointing out that cooperation between the EU and of Western Balkans is more important than ever because of the geopolitical changes, Russia’s war against Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East.

At the same time, according to ertnews, it is underlined that the future of the Western Balkans is within the EU, with full commitment to the prospect of accession, while enlargement is considered a geostrategic investment in peace, security and prosperity, with an emphasis on credible reforms and fair terms.

Furthermore, it is pointed out that the partners of the Western Balkans must respect European values, the rule of law, freedom of expression and human rights.

It is emphasized that unity and solidarity are necessary to support Ukraine and defend the international order, and they advocate strengthening cooperation in managing migration and fighting illegal trafficking and organized crime.

Finally, the declaration underscores the importance of unity and cooperation in addressing common challenges and building a future of peace and prosperity.

The Brussels Declaration, 18 December 2024

We, the leaders of the European Union (EU) and its member states, in consultation with our Western Balkan partners, have today come to the following conclusions:

  1. In the context of the radical change in the global geopolitical situation, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East, as well as the start of the new cycle of EU leadership, the strategic partnership between the European Union and the Western Balkans is more important than ever.
  2. Our future is shared, and only together can we overcome the urgent challenges we face. We owe it to our citizens to build a future of peace and prosperity, based on shared principles and values, as well as shared interests.
  3. The future of the Western Balkans lies within our Union. We reaffirm our full and unquestionable commitment to the prospect of the Western Balkans joining the European Union.
  4. Enlargement is a geostrategic investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity, as stated in the Granada Declaration. The enlargement process has gained new momentum and significant progress has been made since our last summit. Accelerating the accession process, based on
    credible reforms by partners, fair and strict terms and the principle of equal performance, is in our mutual interest.
  5. The EU welcomes the determination of the Western Balkan partners to respect and remain committed to core European values ​​and principles, in accordance with international law, as well as the renewed commitment to the primary role of democracy, fundamental rights and
    values, and the rule of law. The rule of law, freedom of expression, independent and pluralistic media, gender equality and a meaningful role in civil society are vital to ensuring a functioning democracy. In this context, actions will count more
    from words, as partners will take responsibility and implement the necessary reforms, especially in fundamental areas. The EU calls on partners to guarantee the rights and equal treatment of persons belonging to minorities. We will continue to support our partners’ efforts to fight organized crime and corruption.
  6. The geopolitical context in Europe demands unity and solidarity from all of us, in unwavering support of Ukraine and in defense of the rules-based international order. Alignment with the EU remains a clear indication of the strategic orientation of our Western Balkan partners. The EU will continue to
    invest in the multilateral approach and work with partners to uphold international law. In this context we congratulate those of the Western Balkans partners who have already fully aligned with the EU CFSP, and urge those who have not already done so to follow suit. We emphasize that it is
    important is the full implementation and better enforcement of the restrictive measures, as well as the prevention of their circumvention. We welcome partners’ continued commitment to the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP), including contributing to EU missions and operations.
  7. It is necessary to strengthen our cooperation and strategic partnerships in the field of migration management, which is a shared challenge and responsibility, as well as a key priority. While acknowledging the progress made, further decisive action is needed to align visa policy, combat migrant smuggling, human trafficking and all forms of serious and organized crime. We are committed to strengthening our cooperation in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
  8. The EU is committed to bringing the Western Balkans closer to the EU already during the enlargement process. Their gradual integration has already begun in various policy areas, preparing the ground for accession and bringing tangible benefits to citizens, in a reversible and meritocratic manner.
  9. The development plan for the Western Balkans has the potential to double economic growth in the region over the next decade. It will speed up the socio-economic convergence between the Western Balkans and the EU, provided that the partners implement the reforms related to
    EE. We congratulate those five partners who prepared and submitted their reform agendas, which were approved by the Commission, and which will form the basis for the implementation of the development plan. We commend and congratulate the partners who have already joined the single payment space
    in euros (SEPA), which will reduce transaction costs for citizens. We look forward to joining others soon. We welcome the joint work carried out on the modernization of 11 priority crossing points in the region, and encourage their continuation with
    faster rates. The EU relies on its Western Balkan partners to promote regional economic integration through the Common Regional Market (CRM), which is a springboard and prerequisite for closer integration into the EU’s single market.
  10. The EU will continue to support its Western Balkan partners to help mitigate the impact of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine on their economies, societies and security. We will continue to provide support through the pre-accession assistance mechanism, the economic and investment plan, the energy support package and the European Mechanism
    for peace.
  11. The EU reaffirms its commitment to further develop and strengthen dialogue and cooperation with the Western Balkans in the field of security and defence. We are pleased that this year the first of the partners reached agreements on partnerships in the field of security and
    defense, and because European Peace Mechanism support strengthens security and resilience in the region. The EU will continue to support the region in countering hybrid and cyber threats, as well as information manipulation and interventions from abroad, such as Russian narratives and disinformation about Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
  12. Reconciliation, inclusive regional cooperation and good neighborly relations are at the heart of the European Union. The implementation of international agreements in good faith and with tangible results, including the Prespa agreement with Greece and the treaty of friendship, good neighborliness and
    cooperation with Bulgaria, is therefore crucial. Further determined efforts are still needed to promote reconciliation and regional stability, and to find and implement definitive, inclusive and binding solutions to regional bilateral disputes and partner issues rooted in the legacy of the past, according to international law and established principles, including the Convention on Succession Matters, as well as in remaining cases of missing persons and matters relating to crimes war.
  13. The non-normalization of relations between Pristina and Belgrade is an obstacle for both partners. The agreements reached in the framework of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue under the auspices of the EU, in particular the agreement on the road to normalization and its annex, must be implemented. The EU reminds that condition for
    support under the Western Balkans Reform and Development Facility is for the parties to work together constructively with measurable progress and tangible results to normalize their relations.
  14. The EU remains the region’s closest partner, key investor and trading partner, as well as the main donor. We expect our Western Balkan partners to demonstrate this to the public, as well as to demonstrate their commitment to EU values ​​and reforms in both word and deed, supported by strategic EU communications.
  15. We look forward to the first summit of the European Political Community to be held in the Western Balkans region, specifically in Tirana next year, following the successful summit in Budapest in October, as this platform continues to be an important forum for thorough exchanges between leaders on the peace, security, stability and economic development of our continent.
  16. We welcome the alignment of our Western Balkan partners with this statement and its annex on deliverables and priorities.