TIRANA Von der Leyen: EU cooperation with the Western Balkans has gained new momentum

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said today in Tirana that the EU enlargement process has regained momentum and that the Union is now cooperating much more intensively with the Western Balkans. Upon arriving at the EU-Western Balkans summit, Von der Leyen said that this new impetus in the enlargement process is also evidenced by much more frequent meetings than has been the case in recent years.

Recalling that she recently visited all Western Balkan countries, that a Berlin Process summit was held, and that an EU-Western Balkans summit had already taken place a few months ago, she stressed that this is very clear progress. According to her, today's summit in Tirana will discuss practical progress in various areas, including areas that burden the EU itself, such as energy security.

"We have prepared a package for the Western Balkans that reflects what the EU is doing, and it contains 500 million euros that the region's countries will use to help their households and businesses in these difficult times," Von der Leyen said.

She added that the package also includes another 500 million euros for direct investment in infrastructure for green energy of the future, such as solar and wind power, interconnections, and programs towards green hydrogen. Von der Leyen said that other topics, such as roaming and economic progress, will also be discussed.

Asked about the impact of the war in Ukraine, she said that it is not just Russia's aggression against Ukraine, but also about whether autocracy and the rule of force, or democracy and the rule of law, will prevail. This "wrestling" is, according to her, also noticeable in the Western Balkans, where both Russia and China are trying to expand their influence, but the EU is still the largest investor and the region's closest partner.

"It is up to you to decide which side you are on. On the side of democracy, which is the EU, your friend and partner, or do you want to go another way. These are fundamental questions that we will discuss. I notice in all six Western Balkan countries that the EU and EU membership are a priority goal. And that is exactly what we support," said the European Commission President.