The EU-Western Balkans Summit is being held again this year in Brussels, with the aim of serving as a platform to strengthen the strategic partnership between the EU and the Western Balkans, as well as to enhance cooperation and accelerate reform processes on the path to EU membership.
The summit was chaired by the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, while the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, was present as a representative of European institutions.
In his address to the media, the new President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, highlighted three main reasons why this summit is significant.
"Firstly, we belong to the same European family; we share a continent, but most importantly, we share common values and history. Secondly, for all of us, enlargement is a priority. We are committed to enlargement and believe it is the most important investment in peace and security. And finally, we are leading the gradual integration of Western Balkan countries, enabling their citizens to experience tangible benefits," Costa said.
As examples of these benefits, he mentioned visa liberalisation, expanded roaming agreements, and faster payment systems.
The working session was also attended by Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy.
The summit is an opportunity to reaffirm the perspective of Western Balkans membership in the EU and to stimulate a new momentum in the strategic partnership between these two regions.
The topics discussed included the integration of the Western Balkans through the Growth Plan, strengthening the EU's political and strategic engagement in the region, economic support, dealing with the consequences of the war in Ukraine, and cooperation in managing migration and combating corruption and organised crime.
The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans
Western Balkans leaders, including Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, discussed specific steps to deepen the partnership, particularly through implementing the Growth Plan.
The Growth Plan aims to gradually integrate the Western Balkans into the EU's single market, foster regional economic cooperation, and accelerate the implementation of necessary reforms. As highlighted in the conclusions of the General Affairs Council, the Growth Plan has the potential to double the region's economic growth over the next decade and speed up socio-economic convergence with the EU, provided that the countries of the region persist in reforms.
The EU reiterated its support for the Western Balkans and emphasised that it remains their main partner, investor, and donor.
Security
One of the key topics was cooperation in the field of security. Leaders discussed the need to strengthen the region's resilience to hybrid and cyber threats, combat disinformation and foreign influence, and improve youth policies through education, innovation, and social programs.
Special attention was given to geopolitical challenges, including the consequences of the war in Ukraine.
At the end of the summit, leaders jointly emphasised the importance of fighting corruption, organised crime, and strengthening the rule of law. Steps were also agreed upon to enhance cooperation in migration management and visa policy.
During a dinner with leaders, Antonio Costa, who participated for the first time as President of the European Council, exchanged views on geopolitical challenges affecting both the EU and the Western Balkans, stressing the need for joint action in the context of turbulent international relations.
At the end of the summit, a joint Declaration was adopted, reaffirming the EU and Western Balkans' determination to work together on deepening cooperation and accelerating integration processes, sending a strong signal of their commitment to a shared future in the European Union.