The Brdo-Brioni Summit was held in Durrës under the motto: “Shared Interests, Joint Commitment for a Common Future: Together Towards the EU”. Leaders from the Western Balkans emphasized that accelerating EU integration is essential to mitigate regional security risks.
Albanian President Bajram Begaj, who hosted the summit, highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and integration for sustainable development and security:
“We discussed the geopolitical and economic challenges facing the region. Albania supports regional dialogue as a key element for peace and integration. Our region faces security challenges that require closer coordination. Integration of Albania and the region is vital for sustainable development and safety. The majority of our population supports European integration because they believe in the values of democracy and the rule of law,” said Begaj.
Slovenian President Natasha Pirc Musar underlined the need to speed up EU enlargement, while Croatian President Zoran Milanović offered his country’s support for regional partners:
“I am a supporter of the EU, and I believe all Western Balkan countries should be part of it—not only for their benefit but also for ours. European security and peace are at risk if we fail. Slovenia will promote solutions to accelerate the enlargement process,” said Pirc Musar.
“The Croatian government offers assistance to countries in the region without discrimination. Dialogue at this level is a prerequisite for good relations and was the sole purpose of this meeting. We must discuss regional needs and challenges with global players because conditions have changed,” Milanović added.
Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani used the forum to criticize the EU for maintaining sanctions on Kosovo and for the delay in reviewing its EU membership application:
“Kosovo remains under EU sanctions, for which no member state has provided justification, despite all conditions in the Bratislava Agreement being met. Our membership application, submitted in 2022, has still not been considered by the European Commission due to resistance from some member states,” Osmani stated.
Regarding the EU Growth Plan, a €6 billion package approved in 2023, all regional countries have received initial funding except Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Kosovo’s allocation is blocked due to the parliament not being constituted, while Bosnia has yet to submit its reform agenda to EU authorities.
The Brdo-Brioni Process is an annual Western Balkans initiative started in 2010 by Slovenia and Croatia, aimed at fostering regional cooperation, dialogue, and European integration.
