The Brussels Declaration reaffirms the region’s future within the European bloc and renews its objective to accelerate reforms about rights and security
The EU-Western Balkans summit concluded Wednesday without a clear date for enlargement, but with a firm political commitment reaffirming the future of the region within the European bloc. Despite the lack of definite deadlines, the Brussels Declaration underlines the Union’s continued support to the Balkan countries in their integration process, with a renewed focus on accelerating reforms such as the rule of law and the fight against corruption. In this context, the EU seeks to consolidate economic and security cooperation as the Balkans move towards a shared future.
The day concluded with the signing of the Brussels Declaration, a document that reaffirms the EU’s commitment to the integration of the Balkans, stressing that their future lies in the Union. This commitment is framed in a geopolitical context marked by the war in Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East and the growing threats to international security, in which the EU considers enlargement as a tool to guarantee peace, stability and prosperity in Europe.
The President of the European Council, António Costa, expressed his satisfaction with the summit, stressing the importance of strengthening cooperation with the Balkans. Costa stressed that the Declaration sends a clear message: the place of the Western Balkans is at the heart of the European project.
The statement emphasizes that the accession process must be accelerated, based on substantial reforms, fair conditions and the principle of each country’s own merit. The EU acknowledges progress, but notes that reforms need to be strengthened in areas such as the rule of law, freedom of expression, the fight against corruption, gender equality and the protection of minority rights.
It also calls on the candidate countries to resolve bilateral disputes and promote regional reconciliation, including the implementation of important international agreements, such as the Prespa agreement and the Treaty of Amity with Bulgaria.
Economic progress and ecological transition
One of the highlights was the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which seeks to double the region’s economic growth over the next decade.
This plan aims to accelerate socioeconomic convergence with the EU, promoting integration into the European single market and supporting projects in infrastructure, energy and environmental sustainability. The modernization of transport systems and the ecological transition, through the implementation of the Green Agenda, were also mentioned as priority objectives.
Security and defense
Security and defense were central themes in the declaration, with a call for Balkan countries to align with the EU’s common foreign and security policy and participate in European missions and operations.
In this context, the EU’s commitment to strengthen cybersecurity and combat disinformation, especially those narratives linked to Russia, was reaffirmed.
The EU pledged to continue to support the Western Balkans during its accession process by providing economic, technical and political assistance. The statement also stressed that integration should bring tangible benefits to the citizens of the region prior to formal accession, such as reduced transaction costs, improved connectivity and educational opportunities. It is believed that enlargement will not only strengthen the Balkans, but also consolidate Europe’s resilience and global leadership.
EU leaders underline the strategic importance of enlargement
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that the enlargement process has gained new energy, especially after the COVID pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
She stressed that the EU must not only keep the door open for the aspiring countries, but be active in bringing them closer. Von der Leyen highlighted the progress of countries such as Montenegro and Albania, and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to two essential priorities: the accession of these countries and their gradual integration into the European single market.
He also mentioned gradual access to the European single market, which will facilitate cooperation and trade between the EU and the Balkans.
For her part, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, highlighted the strategic importance of the Western Balkans for the EU, considering their geographic location essential for advancing the relationship and strengthening cooperation. Kallas also highlighted the signing of security and defense agreements with Albania and North Macedonia, which strengthens the possibilities for collaboration in this area.
Pedro Sánchez calls for reforms in the candidates and in the EU
During his speech, the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, warned that enlargement can be a long process, so it is important that the Member States accompany the candidates with clear incentives so that their citizens feel part of the European project.
He also defended the acceleration of this process, since enlargement is an investment in security, peace and prosperity for Europe, and warned, in this regard, of the need for the candidate countries to align themselves with the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the Union (CFSP).
Regarding the internal reforms that the candidate countries must develop and comply with in order to enter the Union, Pedro Sánchez stated that these reforms are not only necessary for them, but also within the EU itself, as agreed in the Granada Declaration – under the Spanish presidency of the EU Council – and indicated in the EUCO roadmap last June.
The responsibility for the process therefore lies not only with the candidate countries, he warned, but also requires a commitment from the Member States to carry out the necessary internal reforms so that an enlarged EU remains effective.
Metsola urges EU to speed up the enlargement process
The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, adopted a more critical tone, calling for speeding up the EU enlargement process. Metsola stressed the strategic relevance of enlargement, given Russia’s growing interference in Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, and warned that “if Europe does not act now, we will leave a vacuum that others will be happy to fill.” He asserted that not building on the current momentum would be a “strategic mistake.”
Metsola urged the Balkan countries to implement meaningful reforms and align with EU values, resolving bilateral disputes and transforming their economies through the Growth Plan. She also highlighted the need for European institutions to evolve to prepare the EU for a wider Union. The President of the European Parliament also stressed that the citizens of the Balkans must begin to feel the benefits of integration before formal accession to enhance credibility and confidence in the process.
Montenegro leads the race for accession with a view to join in 2028
Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović expressed his aspiration for his country to become the 28th EU member state by 2028. He highlighted Montenegro’s significant progress in the accession process, especially after the closing of three negotiation chapters recently.
Although the target is ambitious, Milatović considers it achievable and underlines the importance of this achievement as a demonstration that “enlargement is still alive”.
As for Albania, the opening of the “external relations cluster” was highlighted, and the EU Council invited Serbia to open “cluster 3”, marking progress in its accession process.
Not so optimistic was the president of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, whose country is still a potential candidate. In her statements, she expressed her “disappointment” at the stagnation of the accession process, despite the reforms that she said her country has implemented.
