Leaders at the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Brussels today issued a joint declaration reaffirming the European Union’s full commitment to the accession of Western Balkan countries. The declaration emphasizes that the future of the region lies within the European family and that EU enlargement represents a real opportunity that must be seized.
“We reaffirm our full and unequivocal commitment to the perspective of Western Balkans accession to the European Union. The future of the Western Balkans is in our Union. Enlargement is a real opportunity that must be seized,” the declaration states.
The document underlines that EU accession is a geostrategic investment in peace, security, stability, and prosperity, and calls on candidate countries to accelerate reforms to meet EU standards, with rule of law, media freedom, gender equality, and minority rights highlighted as core conditions.
At the summit, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama received EU backing for Albania’s accession by 2030, while the EU aims for Montenegro to join in 2028 and Albania in 2029. Rama met with European Council President Antonio Costa and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who praised Albania’s reform efforts. Serbia’s absence from the summit was noted as a significant gap by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and the proposal by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić for simultaneous accession of six Balkan states did not receive support.
The Brussels Declaration also stresses the importance of regional cooperation, reconciliation, and good neighborly relations, and strongly supports Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. The next EU–Western Balkans Summit is scheduled for June 2026 in Montenegro, where progress toward accession will be evaluated.
Key points from the Brussels Declaration include:
- Strengthening EU–Western Balkans relations is critical given geopolitical challenges and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
- Reaffirmation of full commitment to Western Balkans accession, based on merit and reforms.
- Enlargement as a strategic investment in regional peace, security, and prosperity.
- Rule of law, media freedom, gender equality, and minority rights are essential for integration.
- Regional cooperation and reconciliation remain vital for a stable future.
- Support for Ukraine against Russian aggression remains unwavering.
- Gradual integration and alignment with EU policies, including economic, energy, and digital initiatives, will continue.
- Normalization of Kosovo–Serbia relations is essential, and EU support is tied to measurable progress in the process.
The declaration also highlights ongoing EU support for regional energy, transport, and digital projects, the Western Balkans Growth Plan, and the Regional Single Market, which aims to deepen economic integration and lower costs for citizens.
