Today, leaders from the European Union and the Western Balkans gather in Brussels for a joint summit, a regular annual event aimed at strengthening the partnership between the EU and the countries of the Western Balkans. The summit focuses on the gradual integration of these countries into various EU policies before they formally become EU members.
The primary goal of the summit is to send a clear message that the enlargement process remains a top priority for the European Union and that the EU is committed to accelerating this process. This objective is outlined in the draft of the Joint Declaration, which is expected to be approved at the end of the summit.
“Enlargement is a geostrategic investment in peace, stability, and prosperity. There is new momentum in the enlargement process, and its acceleration, based on fair and clear conditions and merit-based principles, is in our mutual interest,” the draft declaration states.
Another key point of discussion is the call for Western Balkans countries to resolve bilateral and regional disputes with each other and with EU neighbors, as this will allow the enlargement process to advance. “Long-standing regional and bilateral disputes rooted in the past have delayed focusing on the future. The implementation of bilateral agreements with trust and tangible results remains critical,” the document stresses.
Kosovo and Serbia are urged to progress in normalizing their relations through the EU-facilitated dialogue. “Agreements reached between Belgrade and Pristina, including the road to normalization, must be implemented without further delays,” the draft declaration emphasizes.
The President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, will represent the country at the summit. Other leaders from the Western Balkans include Albania’s Prime Minister, Edi Rama; Montenegro’s President, Jakov Milatović; Serbia’s President, Aleksandar Vučić; North Macedonia’s Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski; and the Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Željka Cvijanović.
In addition to the heads of state and government of EU member states, key figures from the European Union will also be in attendance, including the President of the European Council, António Costa; the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen; the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola; and the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.
