Leaders of the European Union and the Western Balkans met on December 18 in Brussels to discuss speeding up the region’s EU enlargement process and resolving longstanding disputes.
In a joint statement released at the end of the summit, leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the region’s future in the EU, calling it a “geostrategic investment” in peace, security, stability, and prosperity. The statement emphasized that the EU’s relationship with the Balkans is key to both regional and European stability.
“We reaffirm our full and clear commitment to the perspective of the Western Balkans’ membership in the European Union,” the declaration read. “Enlargement is a strategic investment in peace, security, stability, and prosperity.”
The EU also welcomed the determination of the Western Balkan countries to adhere to European values and principles, particularly regarding international law, democracy, and the rule of law.
Speaking after the summit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would continue its gradual integration of the Western Balkans into its common market. She also urged Kosovo and Serbia to fulfill their obligations from the EU-facilitated dialogue aimed at normalizing relations.
Resolving disputes and advancing normalization
The summit urged Western Balkan countries to resolve internal disputes and differences with their neighbors in the EU to speed up the enlargement process.
“Regional and bilateral disputes, rooted in the past, have long hindered progress. The implementation of bilateral agreements in good faith, including the Prespa Agreement with Greece and the Friendship, Good Neighborly Relations and Cooperation Treaty with Bulgaria, remains crucial,” the statement said.
Kosovo and Serbia were specifically called on to advance the normalization of their relations. The EU reiterated that agreements reached through the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina must be implemented without further delays.
The statement also stressed the importance of guaranteeing the rights of minorities in the region, calling on all partners to ensure equality and non-discrimination.
Kosovo’s EU aspirations
Ahead of the summit, Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani criticized the EU for its treatment of Kosovo, accusing it of unfair policies by maintaining punitive measures against the country and failing to review its EU membership request. Kosovo applied for EU membership in December 2022 but has not yet received candidate status.
Osmani argued that Kosovo, with its pro-European population, should not be penalized. “It seems there are tendencies within the EU among some member states to continuously punish Kosovo,” she said.
Von der Leyen, however, affirmed the EU’s support for Kosovo, including the removal of punitive measures and the initiation of procedures for granting candidate status. She pointed out that progress on these issues depends on overcoming existing obstacles and obtaining consensus within the EU.
“We are ready to start the process, but we need an invitation to take a position. We are working to get this, and we are ready. The same applies to the measures. We are absolutely ready to remove the measures, but we need agreement from the member states, which we currently do not have,” von der Leyen said.
Looking ahead
European Foreign Affairs Chief Josep Borrell and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of the Western Balkans for the EU. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, reiterated that the region geographically belongs to Europe and is crucial for the EU’s strategic interests.
Attending the summit were leaders from Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, alongside EU leaders, including European Council President Charles Michel and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
