Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, spoke about the EU Enlargement Plan for 2025, which includes Western Balkan countries.
In a press conference, he stated that the rule of law is at the center of the Enlargement Plan.
“We are now also seeking a strong alignment in foreign security policy, including engaging our partners in our key priorities, standing officially and defending our values to ensure regional stability.”
“Our union should not just grow larger but must strengthen as it expands. You can be larger or broader, but you can’t necessarily be stronger. We want both—to include our neighbors and grow strong together.”
“And you simply cannot maintain ties with Russia or try to conduct business as usual and expect your country to join the EU. It’s one or the other. Over the years, we’ve seen that consistent alignment with foreign security policy is the most significant indicator that a candidate values our principles and geopolitical directions.”
“Some of our partners who are fully aligned with our common foreign security policy include North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia, and Kosovo, which is aligning voluntarily,” Borrell said.
