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Brussels (ANSA) – Send a strong political message on the importance – now more than ever – of the strategic partnership between the EU and the Western Balkans, a partnership that is advancing in concrete terms and actions. This is the main goal of the EU-Western Balkans Summit held in Brussels. It is the first summit convened by the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, who, three days into his term, hosted an informal dinner with the Balkan leaders, demonstrating the attention paid to the region.
“The timing of today’s summit could not have been better. It was the first meeting I shared as President of the European Council. This underscores the political priority, which strengthens cooperation with the Balkan region for me and for the EU,” Costa said. The summit was divided into two main sessions. The first was dedicated to political and economic cooperation between the EU and the Western Balkans.
Among the topics on the agenda were the implementation of the growth plan for the region, and the acceleration and deepening of the EU’s political commitments with the Western Balkans in the areas of common policy and security. Another key issue on the table was reconciliation, regional cooperation, and good neighborly relations, which are of fundamental importance for advancing the EU accession process of the Balkan partners.
During the second session, the geopolitical context was discussed, particularly the war in Ukraine and Russia’s hybrid influence on the countries in the region. Enlargement itself was not on the agenda, although the summit was an opportunity to reaffirm the European perspective of the Balkan partners.
“There is no other way than the completion of the reunification of the Western Balkans to Europe,” stated Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during her speech at the summit. “Europe is your home. Italy is convinced of this and will be at your side on this path. Count on us,” she emphasized, addressing the Balkan country leaders (December 18).
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