On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, leaders from the 27 European Union (EU) member states will gather in Brussels for a summit with their counterparts from the Western Balkans. The summit will focus on key issues concerning the European integration prospects of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Kosovo.
The primary goal of the EU is to strengthen its relationship with the six Western Balkans countries, encouraging them to intensify their reform efforts, which may eventually lead to full EU membership. This summit will also discuss cooperation on migration management, as well as the fight against corruption and organized crime.
Intensifying Strategic Partnership
According to the EU, the summit aims to intensify the dynamics of the strategic partnership between the EU and the Western Balkans. Montenegro, considered the most advanced in the EU accession process, will play a key role in the discussions. However, full EU enlargement may still be several years away. Montenegro and Serbia have been negotiating EU membership since 2012 and 2014, respectively, while Albania and North Macedonia began their negotiations in 2022. Bosnia and Herzegovina holds the status of a candidate country, though formal negotiations have yet to begin. Kosovo is also a potential candidate for EU membership.
Ukrainian President’s Invitation
At the end of the meeting with the Western Balkans leaders, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, along with other EU leaders and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, is expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. On Thursday, December 19, 2024, the regular year-end summit of EU member states will take place, where discussions on European matters will continue.
This summit marks a significant step in reinforcing the EU’s commitment to integrating the Western Balkans while addressing critical issues such as migration and security.
