Brussels, 18 December 2024
EU and Western Balkans leaders met in Brussels on 18 December. The meeting served as an opportunity to pursue the new momentum for the strategic partnership between the European Union and the Western Balkans, including a reflection on how to deepen that partnership and move forward together towards a joint future in the European Union.
The main topics of discussion were:
- enhancing the EU-Western Balkans integration through the growth plan
- deepening EU’s political and policy engagement with the Western Balkans in multiple areas, including foreign and security policy
- building an economic foundation for the future and mitigating the impact of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine
- cooperation in migration management and the fight against corruption and organised crime
Over dinner, leaders also discussed the geopolitical context and challenges affecting both regions.
The summit was chaired by President António Costa, for the first time in his new capacity as the President of the European Council.
We belong to the same European family. We share the same continent, but most importantly, we share common values and a common history.
European Council President António Costa
At the end of the summit, the Brussels declaration was issued.
We share a common future and face urgent challenges that we can only overcome together. We owe it to our citizens to build a future of peace and prosperity, based on shared principles and values, and common interests.
Read the Brussels declaration
Download: Brussels declaration, 18 December 2024
Enhancing integration with the Western Balkans through the growth plan
The EU is committed to bringing the Western Balkans partners closer to the EU already during the enlargement process.
Their gradual integration has already started in different policy areas, preparing the ground for accession and bringing concrete benefits to citizens, in a reversible and merit-based manner.
Launched in 2023, the growth plan aims to further integrate the Western Balkans partners into the EU single market through the advancement of regional economic cooperation, as well as to incentivise the necessary EU-related reforms.
We commend five of the partners for the preparation and submission of their reform agendas, approved by the Commission, which will be the basis of implementation of the Growth Plan.
The growth plan has the potential to double economic growth in the region over the next decade and to accelerate socioeconomic convergence between the Western Balkans and the EU, provided that the partners implement the EU-related reforms which they have set out in their respective reform agendas.
Growth plan for the Western Balkans (European Commission)
EU leaders also congratulated the Western Balkans partners who have already joined the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), which will lower the costs of transactions for people. They look forward to others joining soon.
The EU counts on the Western Balkans partners to advance regional economic integration through the Common Regional Market, which is a stepping stone and a precondition for closer integration with the EU single market.
Deepening the EU’s political and policy engagement with the Western Balkans in multiple areas
The EU aims to further deepen its political and policy engagement with the Western Balkans partners in areas such as:
- foreign and security policy
- security and defence
- cooperation and resilience to hybrid and cyber threats to counter foreign interference and disinformation
- people-to-people contacts, and measures for young people through research, innovation, education and social policy
- Cybersecurity: how the EU tackles cyber threats (background information)
- EU and Western Balkans offer scholarships for the Tirana campus of the College of Europe (press release, 13 December 2023)
In the Brussels declaration, EU leaders welcomed that Security and Defence Partnerships were agreed with the first partners this year, and that the European Peace Facility support is reinforcing security and resilience in the region.
More integration builds real strategic partnership. A strategic partnership that sees the Western Balkans aligned with the European Union in condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression, and support for Ukraine, including military support. And a strategic partnership in which we reinforce security and resilience in the Western Balkans, through the European Peace Facility.
European Council President António Costa
The leaders also emphasised the importance of reconciliation, good neighbourly relations, and overcoming disputes and issues rooted in the legacy of the past for regional stability.
Reconciliation, inclusive regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations are at the heart of the European Union. Implementing international agreements in good faith and with tangible results […] is therefore essential.
Mitigating the impact of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine
The EU remains the region’s closest partner, its main investor and trading partner and its main donor.
We count on our Western Balkan partners to make this visible with the public and to demonstrate their commitment to EU values and reforms through words and actions, supported by EU strategic communications.
Brussels declaration
The EU will continue to support its Western Balkan partners in helping to mitigate the impact that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is having on their economies, societies and security.
The EU will continue its engagement with Western Balkan partners through:
- the instrument for pre-accession assistance
- the economic and investment plan
- the energy support package
- EU response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (background information)
- The EU: main investor, donor and trade partner for the Western Balkans (infographic)
The EU: main investor, donor and trade partner for the Western Balkans (infographic)
Cooperation in migration management and combating organised crime and corruption
The EU and the Western Balkans have a shared responsibility for addressing common challenges. They should strengthen their cooperation in a number of key areas:
- migration management
- visa policy
- counterterrorism and violent extremism
- combating organised crime and corruption
- justice and rule of law
In the Brussels declaration, the EU welcomed the fact that people from the entire Western Balkans region are now able to travel visa free to the Schengen area, as well as the progress made towards the swift alignment with EU visa policy by several Western Balkans partners.
Background information
The summit is part of the implementation of the European Council’s 2024-2029 strategic agenda.
Previous meetings
Regular EU-Western Balkans summits have been held since 2018. The latest summit between EU and Western Balkans leaders took place in Brussels in December 2023.
At the end of the summit, the Brussels declaration was issued.
- EU-Western Balkans summit, 13 December 2023
- Brussels declaration, 13 December 2023
- EU-Western Balkans relations (background information)
Preparatory documents
Outcome documents
Press releases
Brussels, 18 December 2024
The timing of today’s summit could not have been better. It was the first meeting I chaired as President of the European Council. This highlights the political priority that enhancing cooperation with the Western Balkans has for me and for the European Union.
We are sending a strong signal with the Brussels Declaration that we adopted today. And I am glad that the Western Balkans partners aligned with it. So I would like to express my satisfaction that we have agreed on a declaration that is different from those of previous summits, more concise, and that can be more easily understood by citizens.
During today’s summit, it was clearer than ever that the European Union and the Western Balkans belong to the same European family. The Western Balkans’ place is at the heart of our European project.
Although this summit was not about enlargement, it is also clearer than ever that enlargement is our common driving force. It is a fact that each country that has joined the European Union is much more prosperous thanks to its membership. This is Europe’s prosperity promise.
Enlargement is also the best geostrategic investment in our peace, security, and stability that we all can make. And gradual integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union is already advancing, in a merit-based way.
Today’s declaration underscores the fact that our Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is a real gamechanger. Citizens in the region will see a doubling of economic growth translated into new jobs and better services over the next decade.
There is no other region in the world into which the European Union has invested so many resources – financial resources, human resources and expertise.
This is how more integration builds real strategic partnership. A strategic partnership that sees the Western Balkans aligned with the European Union in condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression, and support for Ukraine, including military support. And a strategic partnership in which we reinforce security and resilience in the Western Balkans, through the European Peace Facility.
The European Union is already the biggest economic partner of and investor in the Western Balkans. It is and will remain their most reliable partner for the future.
We all know that some challenges persist. Bilateral disputes and neighbourhood dilemmas still need to be addressed. We need to stay focused on credible and sustainable reforms. And accession will be merit-based.
Tonight we heard about the frustrations from the region, but I believe we can overcome them. Together.
We now have a new momentum. We have seen significant progress in the past year, particularly in Montenegro and Albania. And during this summit, I noticed a collective sense of responsibility and a new drive to work harder and faster. So we should use the new momentum to the fullest and create all the conditions necessary for enlargement. Because there is no doubt that the future of the Western Balkans is in our Union. Thank you.
Statement by EU Commission President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with President Costa following the EU-Western Balkans Summit
Brussels, 18 December 2024
Thank you, dear António, for convening this EU-Western Balkans Summit. It was the first of this new political cycle which shows how important it is for us to have it. Over the past years, the enlargement process has gained new vitality. Unprecedented challenges, like the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s war on Ukraine, have accelerated the pace not only of history but also the pace of moving forward the accession process. We have to rise to a new reality. The new reality is that it is not enough to simply leave the door open for our aspiring members, but we have to be active, and we have to actively bring them closer to us. We will keep the same ambition and political commitment during this new term. We will continue to work hard on two priorities with our Western Balkan partners: EU accession and gradual integration into our Single Market.
First, on accession. There was remarkable progress over the past year. Just this week, we closed three more negotiation chapters with Montenegro. We hope to see more closed in 2025. We also just opened the external relations cluster with Albania. And the Council also agreed to move forward on the opening of cluster 3 with Serbia.
Enlargement works. History proves it. In just a few days, we will mark 30 years of the 1995 enlargement. And this year, we also marked 20 years of the 2004 enlargement, when 10 countries joined our Union. Each wave has made our Union stronger. But we know that success relies not only on readiness but also on readiness on both sides. Future Member States must prepare for the responsibilities of membership. But at the same time, the EU must adapt to accommodate a larger family. This is why, early in this mandate the Commission will review its major sectoral policies. We want to make sure that they are adapted to an enlarged Union. The accession process is rigorous. It is merits-based and it will remain so. But given the geopolitical situation, we are redoubling our efforts to support our partners who want to make progress.
This leads me to my second point: gradual integration into the Single Market. In October 2020, we put forward an Economic and Investment Plan of EUR 30 billion for the region. This Investment Plan is building roads, railways, electricity networks, broadband, creating connections between us. And it is delivering. Already 60% of the financing has been mobilised, with new projects breaking ground all the time. So, it is a success. A success we are building on with the Growth Plan. The Growth Plan can bring the economies of the Western Balkans closer to us. Right now, the economies of the Western Balkans stand at 35% of the EU average. The Growth Plan has the potential to double their size, within this decade, so within this mandate.
The Growth Plan is EUR 6 billion in investments, and the principle is both investments and reforms. We now have five ambitious reform agendas in place for five Western Balkan partners, they suggest the reform agendas. And we are looking forward to receiving the sixth one. In return, these reforms are backed by investments. We are preparing pre-financing worth over EUR 300 million to start with the reforms. At the same time, and that is important, the Growth Plan offers Western Balkan partners a gradual access to our Single Market. So it is investment and opening for the reforms, it is a unique approach. And it is working. Let me give you some examples. Take the so-called ‘green lanes.’ We are speeding up the movement of people and goods at ten key border crossing points between the EU and the Western Balkans. This will lower the waiting time at the border by up to 80%. We are also bringing the Western Balkans into the Single Euro Payments Area. This means very simple, low-cost, fast, and secure money transfers between the Western Balkans and the EU – very important for the citizens and the companies. Albania and Montenegro will join as of next year, North Macedonia and Serbia are set to follow soon.
Finally, a brief glance on regional cooperation. Our partners are also making progress with their Common Regional Market, the Western Balkan Common Regional Market. The last Berlin Process Summit was pivotal in this respect. Five mobility agreements are now being implemented. These agreements, from e-commerce to the recognition of professional qualifications, are breaking down barriers for people and businesses alike within the Common Regional Market of the Western Balkans.
So lots of good work on its way, thank you again, António, for convening this Western Balkans Summit.
Source – EU Commission
EU-Western Balkans Summit: Press remarks by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas upon arrival
Check against delivery!
I am happy to be here for the [European Union-]Western Balkans Summit. The Western Balkans is an extremely important region for the European Union. They belong to Europe geographically, so it is very important that we also advance in our relationship.
We have different cooperation points. Today we are going to discuss the Growth Plan, which is a very good piece of legislation. We also had today a signing of the security and defence agreement with Albania. We have one already with North Macedonia, so there is a lot of room for cooperation.
It is also clear that the Commission, together with the Commissioner for Enlargement [Marta Kos] and me, we want to see real advancement in the enlargement process during these five years of mandate that we have. So, we are willing to work for this.
Of course, in the evening we will also discuss Russia’s hybrid activities and war in Ukraine and what we can do more.
I see that there is the wish for some really short and fast solutions, but we are in this situation where Russia does not want peace, and that is a problem.
In order to have the best solution, we need to support Ukraine as much as we can. The stronger they are on the battlefield, the stronger they are also around the negotiation table – and that is also in the interest of Europe.
Thank you.
Q&A
Q. First question on Ukraine. What exactly are the security guarantees that the European Union can give them? And if you’re not talking about this right now, what is the strategy right now? Because otherwise Trump will decide in January.
Well, all the [European Union] Member States have signed the security guarantees with Ukraine, so it is a question for the Member States – which kinds of security guarantees they are giving to Ukraine, what they really comprise, what is the tangible thing there. Of course, what we can decide and talk on our level is what we can do together – for our own defence, the flagship projects, what we can do. Also, what we can do in order to help Ukraine, together. So, this is not only considering what is the outcome of the United States elections and the new administration, and what they are doing, but what we are also doing ourselves despite of that [outcome].
Q. What can the European Union do to pressure again the attack on [inaudible] children?
Well, of course, we are not going to discuss that today, but we are going to have discussions on the Middle East tomorrow. I think it is very important that we are –together with the regional partners when it comes to Arab countries, Türkiye, but also United States and European Union – [in agreement] on the basic principles that the new leadership of Syria should also follow what we want to see in order for Syria to develop.
Q. Can you comment about the latest threat coming out from Dmitry Medvedev? He’s saying that the major allies sending help in Ukraine and military aid, they are legitimate targets.
Well, Russia is always threatening, and it is meant to scare us. So [based on] what we see, and the threats we have heard before, so I think the only response we can have is not to be afraid.
Q. Migration will be one of the topics today. Do you think the Syrian refugees should return to their homeland?
No, it is not going to be a topic today. I mean, today we have the Western Balkans Summit, so we are discussing the cooperation and what we can do with Western Balkans, and also we are discussing the Russian hybrid threats and actions in this regard.
Thank you very much.
Link to video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-265609
Source – EEAS
EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola at the EU-Western Balkans summit: It is time to grow
Brussels, 18 December 2024
Addressing the EU and Western Balkans leaders in Brussels, Metsola stressed that faced with today’s global geopolitical realities, it was time to move faster with regards to enlargement.
Remarks by EP President Roberta Metsola at the EU-Western Balkans Summit:
“Dear colleagues,
In the last decade, the EU has lost more Members than we have gained. For two decades, we have been unable to match our rhetoric with action when it comes to enlargement to the Western Balkans. But with the global geopolitical realities we are facing, we all need to move faster. Of course this can only be a merit-based approach with clear criteria, but there can be no substitute for real progress.
Look at Ukraine, Moldova or in Georgia. Illegal interference by Russia has made enlargement a geopolitical, strategic necessity. If Europe fails to act now, we will leave a void that others will gladly fill. It would be a strategic mistake not to seize the momentum now.
Enlargement has always been our most powerful geopolitical tool. But to get there, we need courage, political will, and reforms – on both sides.
The new staged accession process is already showing results. But we must go further. Elections in the Western Balkans are won, or lost, on the EU question. People in the Western Balkans must feel the benefits of integration, even before membership – enhancing credibility and trust.
Our institutions, decision-making processes, and funding mechanisms must evolve to prepare for a larger Union. Enlargement must be front and centre of the next MFF. The Parliament has called for these reforms, and we are ready to lead the way.
At the same time, reforms in the Western Balkans must be genuine. Countries must align with EU values, they must make use of the Growth Plan to transform their economies, and they must also resolve bilateral disputes. We must all be able to shake off the shackles of history, and look forward together, rather than back alone.
Ultimately, all eyes will be on implementation. Without proper implementation, these reforms are only as good as the paper they are printed on.
The Parliament is ready to assist you on your EU path. We are investing in partnerships with Western Balkan parliaments, and I welcome our decision to open a European Parliament representation in the region. Early next year, I will visit the Western Balkans, and I look forward to meeting with leaders and having you all address the European Parliament to help advance this process.
Every enlargement has brought challenges – yes – but also enormous benefits. And with every enlargement, new Members have made our Union stronger.
We have a new Parliament and a new Commission, with a clear mandate for a safer, more forward-looking Union. It is time to grow and to send a clear signal that enlargement is no longer a distant pipe dream for people in the Western Balkans, or for people in Europe. Enlargement is a win-win for all of us. It will strengthen Europe and strengthen the region.”
Source – EU Parliament
Statement des EU-Abgeordneten David McAllister (CDU) zum EU-Westbalkan-Gipfel
Brüssel, 18. Dezember 2024
Zum heutigen EU-Westbalkan-Gipfel erklärt David McAllister (CDU), Vorsitzender des Auswärtigen Ausschusses des Europäischen Parlaments:
„Das heute Gipfeltreffen bietet ein gutes Forum für den ersten offiziellen Austausch zwischen beiden Seiten, seitdem die Kommission Ende Oktober ihr neues Erweiterungspaket vorgelegt hat.
Wichtig ist, dass die Europäische Union geschlossen auftritt und signalisiert, dass wir ein grundsätzliches geostrategisches und sicherheitspolitisches Interesse an der demokratischen, freiheitlichen und pro-europäischen Ausrichtung der Staaten des westlichen Balkans haben. Der russische Angriffskrieg gegen die Ukraine hat einmal mehr verdeutlicht, dass kein Vakuum auf dem Westbalkan entstehen darf. Die Gründe, die jetzt für den Beginn der Beitrittsverhandlungen mit der Ukraine und Moldau sprechen, gelten ebenso für den Westlichen Balkan.
Eine effektive Erweiterung der EU muss mit grundlegenden Reformen innerhalb unserer Strukturen einhergehen, denn größer werden heißt nicht automatisch stärker werden. Jeder Mitgliedstaat muss sich die Frage stellen: Wo sind wir bereit, nationale Vorbehalte zu überdenken, damit wir als EU insgesamt handlungsfähiger werden?
Eine EU-Mitgliedschaft kann es nicht im Eilverfahren geben. Die Spielregeln sind für alle künftigen Mitgliedstaaten gleich. Ein zufriedenstellendes Level bei der Korruptionsbekämpfung und der Rechtstaatlichkeit kann nie durch Einheitslösungen erreicht werden. Die gebotenen Reformen innerhalb der Kandidatenländer müssen organisch aus dem politischen und gesellschaftlichen System entstehen. Jedes Land wird auf seinem individuellen Weg zur Mitgliedschaft in der Europäischen Union in seinem eigenen Tempo voranschreiten – und unter Umständen auch Rückschritte machen, wie derzeit Georgien. Schlussendlich ist der EU-Beitrittsprozess eine Regatta und kein Konvoi.“
Source – CDU/CSU-Gruppe (per E-Mail)