The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, emphasized that the European Union (EU) – Western Balkans Summit is highly significant for several reasons, including the fact that enlargement is a priority.
Welcoming the leaders of the EU and Western Balkan countries, Costa stated that the Summit is important for three main reasons. One of these, he noted, is that all participants belong to the European family, sharing a continent, as well as common values and history.
He highlighted the commitment to enlargement, affirming that all believe this expansion is the most important geopolitical investment for peace, security, and progress.
Costa added that a gradual integration of the Western Balkan countries is underway, which will bring concrete benefits to their citizens, such as visa-free travel, addressing roaming charges, and simpler and cheaper payment methods. He stressed that the Western Balkans could be significantly transformed through the Growth Plan.
The Summit in Brussels is attended by Zeljka Cvijanovic, Chairwoman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH); Hristijan Mickoski, Prime Minister of North Macedonia; Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania; Vjosa Osmani, President of Kosovo; Jakov Milatovic, President of Montenegro; and Aleksandar Vucic, President of Serbia.