SkopjeDiem Macedonia in English
The EU has said that foreign policy chief Josep Borrell’s meeting with Western Balkan leaders shows its commitment to partnership with “our future” members, the Western Balkans.
“It serves as an occasion for exchange of views on issues of common interest, beyond enlargement, on issues of global security and stability. The discussion centred on the pressing geopolitical challenges, particularly the damaging impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and China’s efforts to expand its economic influence.
High Representative Borrell and the Western Balkans leaders discussed the importance of strengthening resilience, emphasising the need for strategic alignment with the European Union to safeguard regional stability.
High Representative Borrell highlighted that the Western Balkans were an integral part of Europe’s future. He emphasised the importance and strength of EU-Western Balkans ties, and reiterated that EU membership was within reach, provided that the key reforms were pursued with renewed focus.
The meeting was an opportunity to recall the need to resolve existing bilateral disputes.
High Representative Borrell underlined the importance of good-neighbourly relations achieved through dialogue and compromise as essential steps toward the EU integration. The leaders must take bold, strategic decisions to advance their European aspirations.
High Representative Borrell concluded by reaffirming the EU’s commitment to supporting the Western Balkans on their European path, highlighting that enlargement remained a top priority for the EU,” the press release reads.
