EU enlargement to enhance peace, security, prosperity, Borrell says at Western Balkans summit

BELGRADE, Serbia

Expanding the EU to include countries in the Western Balkans would be an investment in peace, security, and prosperity, the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borell said on Wednesday.

"The enlargement has to speed up. It is our guarantee for security and it is a most important way of becoming partners," Borrell said ahead of the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Brussels.

According to Borrell, the changing conditions around the world has put the security and stability of Europe at risk.

"It is our vital interest to work and cooperate as closely as possible with the Western Balkans, who are our future members," the EU official said at the summit, where he announced a new support package for Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia to counter cybersecurity threats and strengthen resilience.

"This financial support aims to reinforce our partners against the challenges they face in this crucial domain, contributing to Europe's security," said Borrell.

Also attending the summit, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni voiced hope that the summit would make meaningful progress.

"Our hope today is not to go around in circles. If we give hope, it has to be matched by tangible and concrete deliverables," she said.

The leaders of the six Western Balkan countries gathered in Brussels Wednesday for the summit, expected to focus on potential joint responses to challenges in an increasingly complex geostrategic context.