EU Expansion: A New Dawn for the Western Balkans

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is on a tour of Western Balkan countries to reaffirm the EU's commitment to their trade bloc enlargement. The tour aims to accelerate their EU membership applications, bolstered by reforms and a 6-billion euro growth plan contingent on compliance.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen embarked on a pivotal tour of the Western Balkans, reaffirming the EU's commitment to their inclusion in the trade bloc on Wednesday. Her journey underscores the bloc's priority in accelerating the membership applications of these nations.

The regional visit, starting in Albania, highlights the varied stages of EU membership applications for Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Despite the slow pace, the geopolitical climate, especially following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has galvanized European leaders to push for the inclusion of these nations in the European Union.

Von der Leyen praised Tirana for its dedication and progress, indicating Albania's optimistic trajectory towards EU membership. The Western Balkans benefit from a 6-billion euro growth initiative aimed at aligning their economies with EU standards as they work towards membership. This effort exemplifies a significant leap towards their integration into the European Union.

(With inputs from agencies.)