Brussels, 26 September 2024 (MIA) -  The Western Balkans is an integral part of Europe’s future, and EU membership is within reach, provided that the key reforms are pursued with renewed focus, the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, told an informal meeting with Western Balkans leaders on Wednesday in New York, also attended by President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova. 

"Rising malign influence undermining reform efforts in the region shows that we need to collaborate even more closely. Together, we will forge a more secure and prosperous EU," Borrell posted on X after the meeting. 

According to the European Union External Action Service (EEAS), the informal meeting held in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly reflects the European Union’s commitment to partnership with the Western Balkans - the future Member States. 

"It serves as an occasion for exchange of views on issues of common interest, beyond enlargement, on issues of global security and stability. The discussion centred on the pressing geopolitical challenges, particularly the damaging impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and China’s efforts to expand its economic influence," reads the press release. 

According to the EEAS, Borrell and the Western Balkans leaders discussed the importance of strengthening resilience, emphasising the need for strategic alignment with the European Union to safeguard regional stability.

"High Representative Borrell highlighted that the Western Balkans is an integral part of Europe’s future. He emphasised the importance and strength of EU-Western Balkans ties, and reiterated that EU membership is within reach, provided that the key reforms are pursued with renewed focus," said the EEAS. 

The press release notes that the meeting was an opportunity to recall the need to resolve existing bilateral disputes.  

"High Representative Borrell underlined the importance of good neighbourly relations achieved through dialogue and compromise as essential steps toward the EU integration. The leaders must take bold, strategic decisions to advance their European aspirations. High Representative Borrell concluded by reaffirming the EU’s commitment to supporting the Western Balkans on their European path, highlighting that enlargement remains a top priority for the EU," adds the press release. 

In addition to Siljanovska Davkova, the informal meeting with Borrell was attended by Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Bećirović, President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić and Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Montenegro Filip Ivanović. 

Photo: X