EU heavyweight Germany will host a summit of Balkan leaders Thursday, as part of Berlin plans to me speed up The region merged into the 27-nation bloc.
leaders of six Western Balkans countries He will meet German Chancellor Olaf Schulz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Berlin to discuss the EU enlargement process, regional cooperation and energy security.
‘The region has gained its integration into the European Union more hurry after ( start ofRussia’s war on Ukraine, “A senior German diplomat said on condition of Anonymity.
he is added That Schulze was committed to speed up Join the European Union of Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania.
“Russia strategy Had to tamper with the rifts in Western Balkans. we will like to counter this. we will like To enhance cooperation between these countries. and we do like to bring them closer to the European Union.
Western Balkans countries was seeking membership in Bloc for more For more than a decade, their leaders have repeatedly criticized their European counterparts for Reluctance to take in new members, which prevents the expansion of the European Union.
Serbia and Montenegro has been granted the status of a candidate country for membership in the European Union more More than 10 years and since then the negotiations have continued join Bloc.
The European Union decided start membership talks with Albania and North Macedonia in July, while Bosnia and Herzegovina hopes to obtain EU candidate country status in December. At the moment, Kosovo is only a potential candidate join European Union.
strong support
Chancellor Schulz plans to reassert Berlin’s power support for these countries’European Union’ membership During the summit, he raised their expectations, according to diplomats.
Western Balkans countries It must meet the European Union’s Copenhagen Criteria on membership that requires stability of Institutions that guarantee democracy, and rule of Law, human rights and respect for And the protection of minorities.
According to diplomats, the European Union expects western Balkan countries to align their foreign countries policy with who – which of european union, supporting block penalties against Russia.
Here, Serbia has close relations with Russia and its recent agreements to strengthen cooperation with Moscow, was a source of anxiety, senior said a German diplomat.
Schulz, EU Commission President von der Leyen and Balkan leaders are expected to discuss foreign relations policy Issues, the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, and the growing number of refugees on Balkan Road, during their Thursday lunch.
Leaders appointed 3 deals
One of The highlights of The summit will be the signing ceremony of Three agreements by leaders, according to diplomats.
With these agreements, the six Western Balkans countries They will get to know each other cardsuniversity degrees, qualifications and professional degrees, allowing freedom of movement and closer regional cooperation.
“here they are realmy work steps for The people. This will bring newpositive dynamic for Closer cooperation in The region,” a senior diplomat said.
During the summit, the leaders also He is expected to discuss energy security and electrical interconnection in Western Balkans and the European Union support for The countries to enhance cooperation in this field.
The Western Balkan Summit will be held as part of the Summit of ‘Berlin Operation’ set up from Germany in 2014 as a platform for High-level cooperation between the European Union and the Balkan countries.
