EU-Western Balkans summit on November 25: Focus on gradual integration into the European market

On November 25, Brussels will host a summit bringing together the leaders of the European Union and those of the Western Balkan countries, with the aim of reaffirming the strategic importance of the partnership between the bloc and the region.

Representing the EU at the meeting will be European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Costa has stressed that enlargement to include the Western Balkan countries is one of the union’s main objectives.

“The Western Balkans belong to the European Union. The accession of these countries is our priority, our shared goal and an essential geopolitical investment in the difficult times we are living through. The EU remains, and will continue to be, the region’s strongest and most steadfast partner,” he said.

The summit will provide an opportunity to reaffirm the EU’s commitment to the region’s European perspective, as well as to encourage the acceleration of reforms and compliance with the obligations required to advance on the path toward membership.

A central issue in the discussions will also be the gradual integration of the Western Balkan countries into the EU market and structures, particularly through the Growth Plan for the region. Leaders are expected to discuss further steps to deepen this process.

The agenda will also include shared security and resilience challenges amid an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, with the aim of strengthening cooperation between the EU and the countries of the region.