European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently visited Belgrade as part of her Balkan tour where she met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to discuss Serbia’s path toward EU membership. Von der Leyen reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to Serbia’s progress, emphasizing that EU membership promises peace and prosperity. She assured the Western Balkans countries, including Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, that EU enlargement remains a priority for the bloc despite frustrations over the slow pace of the process.
During her visit to Bosnia earlier in the week, von der Leyen promised support for the country as it works on reforms necessary for EU membership. The Western Balkans countries have been encouraged to join the EU particularly in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. EU officials offered a €6 billion growth plan to the region in an effort to double its economy over the next decade and accelerate their progress towards EU membership. However, this aid is contingent on implementing reforms to bring their economies in line with EU rules.
Serbia, which became an EU candidate country in 2012, is committed to speeding up its path toward EU membership. The Commission approved the reform agendas of Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, paving the way for payments under the growth plan upon completion of the agreed reform steps. Von der Leyen’s visit to Serbia and other Western Balkans countries is part of a broader effort to assure these nations of the EU’s commitment to their membership aspirations and to encourage them to continue on their path of reforms.
The relationship between the EU and the Western Balkans countries is crucial, particularly as the region faces economic and political challenges. The EU’s support for these countries is seen as essential in promoting stability, peace, and prosperity in the Balkans. By offering financial aid and assistance with reforms, the EU aims to strengthen the economies of these nations and help them align with EU standards and regulations. This, in turn, would facilitate their integration into the EU and promote regional cooperation and stability.
Von der Leyen’s visit to Belgrade and her meetings with Serbian leaders underscore the importance of EU enlargement in the Western Balkans. The EU’s continued commitment to the region’s membership aspirations sends a strong message of support and encouragement to these countries as they navigate the complexities of the accession process. By providing financial assistance and guidance on reforms, the EU aims to help the Western Balkans countries progress towards EU membership and contribute to a more stable and prosperous Europe.
Overall, the European Commission President’s visit to Serbia and other Western Balkans countries highlights the EU’s dedication to the region’s European future. By reaffirming Europe’s commitment to supporting these countries on their path toward EU membership, von der Leyen’s visit aims to strengthen ties between the EU and the Western Balkans, promote economic growth and stability in the region, and pave the way for a more integrated and peaceful Europe. The EU’s engagement with the Western Balkans reflects a broader commitment to fostering peace, prosperity, and cooperation in the region and beyond.
