European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen has commenced a significant four-day tour of the Western Balkans, aiming to engage with leaders from Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and Montenegro. This visit underscores the EU’s commitment to the region’s integration and development, particularly in light of recent challenges faced by these nations.
Key Takeaways
- Tour Duration: Four days, covering multiple countries in the Western Balkans.
- Key Meetings: Discussions with leaders from Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and Montenegro.
- Focus Areas: EU enlargement, economic cooperation, and disaster recovery efforts.
Overview of the Tour
Von Der Leyen’s tour began on October 23, 2024, with her first stop in Tirana, Albania. Here, she met with Prime Minister Edi Rama and participated in the opening ceremony of the academic year at the College of Europe campus. This visit is part of a broader strategy to reinforce the EU’s ties with the Western Balkans and to discuss the EU’s €6 billion Growth Plan aimed at supporting these nations.
Progress Towards EU Membership
During her visit to Skopje, North Macedonia, Von Der Leyen praised the country for its significant reforms aimed at EU integration. She emphasized the EU’s commitment to enlargement, stating that it remains a top priority for the Union. North Macedonia has been a candidate for EU membership since 2005, but its progress has faced hurdles due to disputes with neighboring countries.
Addressing Recent Challenges
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Von Der Leyen visited the village of Donja Jablanica, which was severely affected by recent floods and landslides that resulted in 27 fatalities. She expressed solidarity with the affected communities and reiterated the EU’s commitment to providing immediate aid and long-term support for reconstruction efforts. The EU has mobilized resources through its civil protection mechanism to assist in recovery efforts.
Meetings with Regional Leaders
The tour includes crucial meetings with various leaders:
- Albania: Meeting with Prime Minister Edi Rama and President Bajram Begaj.
- North Macedonia: Discussions with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: Engagements with the Presidency and the Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers, Borjana Krišto.
- Serbia: Meetings with President Aleksandar Vučić and Prime Minister Miloš Vučević.
- Kosovo: Conversations with President Vjosa Osmani and Prime Minister Albin Kurti.
- Montenegro: Final discussions with President Jakov Milatović and Prime Minister Milojko Spajić.
Conclusion
Ursula Von Der Leyen’s Balkans tour is a pivotal moment for the EU’s relationship with the Western Balkans. By engaging directly with regional leaders, she aims to foster cooperation, support recovery efforts, and reinforce the EU’s commitment to enlargement. This initiative not only addresses immediate challenges but also lays the groundwork for a more integrated and prosperous future for the region.
Sources
- Ursula Von Der Leyen starts Balkans tour – France 24, France 24.
- Von der Leyen tours Western Balkans in latest EU enlargement drive | Euronews, Euronews.
- President von der Leyen travels to the Western Balkans – EU Reporter, EU Reporter.
- Von der Leyen tours Western Balkans in latest EU enlargement drive, Yahoo News UK.
