European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, speaking at the Bled Strategic Forum, highlighted that the Western Balkans has long been a border between different worlds: East, West, South, and North.
Von der Leyen emphasized that the economic reforms undertaken by Western Balkan countries will determine the timing of their integration into the EU.
She mentioned Kosovo among the successes in the region under the growth plan, noting that a year ago the new Western Balkans growth plan was introduced, and initial results are starting to show.
“Tirana has the fastest-growing airport in Europe. Kosovo’s economic reforms are yielding benefits and have been praised by the IMF. Montenegro has recently experienced a rise in its credit rating,” said Von der Leyen.
She also addressed Russian influence in the region, stating that the current Russian leadership, stuck in the past, refuses to accept the straightforward reality. Whenever there is progress toward regional reconciliation and integration in the Western Balkans, the Kremlin attempts to stir up old conflicts.
