Brussels, 7 December 2024 (MIA) - European Council President António Costa sent an invitation letter to EU leaders ahead of the upcoming European Council meeting and the EU-Western Balkans Summit later this month in Brussels. He pointed out that EU enlargement is the main geopolitical investment and the current geopolitical context calls for a new momentum to be given to the EU’s work with the countries in the region.

The EU-Western Balkans Summit will be held on December 18, focusing on the implementation of the Growth Plan, efforts towards regional integration, as well as possibilities to further advance gradual integration between the EU and the region. The working dinner will focus on shared geopolitical challenges. 

On December 19, the European Council will discuss the situation in Ukraine and the role of the EU in the world. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will share latest developments on the ground and his views on how Europe can best support Ukraine. Costa notes that a comprehensive and strategic discussion is needed on the way forward regarding EU's global engagement. 

He underlines that EU enlargement is the main geopolitical investment, adding that the EU can best consolidate its role on the international stage by weaving a wider and deeper network of partners around the world, strengthening the transatlantic bond and developing mutually-beneficial strategic relations with the United Kingdom, notably in the field of security and defence. 

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