European and regional leaders have gathered at the EU-Western Balkans Summit, where Albania is represented by Prime Minister Edi Rama.
The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stated that the enlargement process for the Western Balkans should remain based on merit.
“Enlargement is based on merit, but being merit-based does not mean being slow. We must make the enlargement process faster and more reliable and the enlargement process must be more visible. Enlargement means more security, more prosperity and a greater role for Europe in the world.”, Von der Leyen said
“My message for the Western Balkans is clear. The EU is committed to enlargement. Now is the time to seize the moment and implement reforms.” Costa said.
Shortly before the start of the summit, a message was sent by the Prime Minister, Edi Rama, who declared that the European Union must find the courage to accept new members towards their full membership.
“If Europe wants to send a strong message to the world and energize itself, it must say that as we are today all around the same table, we must always be there each with our own status until we become full members.”, emphasized Rama.
The meeting comes at a time when Brussels is seeing the expansion as a response to geopolitical challenges and the growing influence of Russia and China in the region.
International media reports that candidate countries are expected to support a new Franco-German initiative aimed at speeding up the accession process.
