The Heads of State and Government of the European Union (EU) will discuss on Tuesday, in Albania, the association with the countries of the Western Balkans, seen as “more important than ever” due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“While Russia intensifies its war of aggression against Ukraine, the strategic partnership between the European Union and the Western Balkans region is more important than ever,” stressed the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, in the invitation letter sent to the EU. leaders.
According to the official, the high-level meeting will take place “at an opportune moment”, so one of the topics to be discussed will be “combating the impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine, including in regards to the energy sector and the construction of a solid economic base for the future, through the implementation of the Economic and Investment Plan”, at a time of fears of disturbances in the supply of energy to Europe this winter and of high inflation.
On the table will also be the “intensification of political involvement”, as well as the “strengthening of security and resilience, including addressing cyber threats and other hybrid threats, migration management and the fight against terrorism”, lists Charles Michael.
“This will also be an important occasion to discuss how to strengthen regional cooperation and resolve regional conflicts, as well as address other regional challenges,” said the official.
After stressing that “the region has a clear perspective of the EU”, Charles Michel adds that the community bloc is also “the closest partner of the Western Balkans, main donor, main investor and commercial partner”.
The EU has been developing a policy to support the progressive integration of the Western Balkan countries.
In 2023, Croatia became the first country in the Western Balkans to join the EU, with Montenegro, Serbia, North Macedonia and Albania officially candidate countries.
Meanwhile, negotiations have started and accession procedures have been opened with Montenegro and Serbia, while Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo are potential accession candidates.
Source: Observadora
