European Union leaders are set to meet with their Western Balkan counterparts this evening in Brussels for high-level talks focused on the region’s EU enlargement and a new economic growth initiative.
The summit will bring together leaders from the 27 EU member states and the Western Balkans, including Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who will be welcomed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa.
At the start of the summit, Costa is expected to emphasize the strategic importance of expanding the EU to include the Western Balkans. He has described the enlargement as the Union’s “most significant geopolitical investment” in ensuring security, peace, and prosperity across the region.
The meeting comes just one day after Albania officially opened negotiations on Chapter VI of Foreign Relations, marking an important step in the country’s long-running efforts to join the EU.
Discussions are also expected to focus on the EU’s economic growth plan for the region, which aims to enhance infrastructure, education, and digital connectivity. Western Balkan leaders are seeking faster progress on EU integration, while the EU is looking for continued reforms and cooperation from the region.
The EU has increasingly engaged with the Western Balkans, viewing the region as vital for strengthening its geopolitical position and economic ties.
