The European Union is the “only reliable and unwavering partner” for the countries of the Western Balkans, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said in Brussels on Wednesday evening, ahead of the EU-Western Balkans summit.
“In today’s geopolitical world, we must make it clear that we are the only real partner the Western Balkans have, and that their aspirations to join the European Union are genuine,” argued De Croo.
Since the start of the Russian military invasion of Ukraine in 2022, European enlargement policy towards the six Western Balkan countries has gained new momentum.
De Croo also emphasized that EU membership must be based on the merits and concrete reforms of each candidate country. He stated, “I’m not a fan” of a situation like in 2004, when 10 countries joined the bloc at once.
