Leaders from the Western Balkans convened in Golem, Albania, this week to reaffirm their dedication to European Union integration, marking new milestones in regional cooperation and economic alignment with EU standards amid growing geopolitical uncertainty in Europe.
Key Takeaways
- Western Balkan presidents recommitted to EU integration and regional cooperation.
- Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Moldova entered the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA).
- The summit highlighted EU enlargement amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Summit Unites Western Balkan Leaders
The 2024 annual summit, part of the Brdo-Brijuni Process—an initiative led by Slovenia and Croatia since 2013—brought together presidents and high officials from Albania, Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo. The focus: accelerating reforms and strengthening connections with Brussels, ensuring stability in a region with lingering postwar tensions.
The leaders issued a joint declaration outlining their collective vision for a secure, prosperous, and united Europe. While countries are at different stages on their EU path, from Montenegro and Albania’s advanced progress to other nations still negotiating foundational reforms, all pledged to deepen cooperation.
SEPA Implementation: A Major Milestone
A landmark achievement coincided with the summit: Albania and North Macedonia began full participation in SEPA, while Montenegro and Moldova achieved operational readiness. This system enables fast, low-cost euro transactions across 41 countries, streamlining cross-border banking and business.
SEPA membership brings practical benefits:
- Lower transaction costs for businesses and consumers
- Simplified international payments
- Albanian bank cards functional Europe-wide
- Enhanced transparency and financial security
Albanian officials and EU representatives hailed this step as a pivotal advance in economic integration, bringing immediate benefits for citizens and closing the gap with full EU members.
EU Support and Growth Plan
European leaders have increased support for Western Balkan enlargement, especially following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Concerns over regional stability have put integration higher on the EU agenda, with a €6 billion growth plan in place to fund critical reforms and projects. Summit participants urged the EU to maintain momentum and deliver on promises, emphasizing that peace and security in the broader continent depend on tangible progress in the Balkans.
Reconciliation and Greater Regional Unity
While the Brdo-Brijuni Process is largely ceremonial, the annual summit seeks to maintain political dialogue and reconciliation, especially between nations with lingering disputes—like Serbia and Kosovo. By fostering economic and political ties, leaders hope to move beyond past conflicts and anchor the region firmly within Europe’s democratic and economic structures.
References
- Albania hosts Brdo-Brijuni Process summit to boost regional cooperation, AP News.
- Western Balkan leaders meet in Albania to discuss accelerating EU integration, ABC News – Breaking News, Latest News and Videos.
- Albania, Moldova, Montenegro, and North Macedonia fully SEPA implementation, European Western Balkans.
- Albania starts transactions through SEPA, a historic step towards European integration, European Newsroom.
